Support Fungal Sequencing for Primate Mycophagy Research in Tanzania

This fundraiser supports an ongoing multi-year research project examining primate-fungus interactions in western Tanzania. The project is conducted in collaboration with a long-standing primate research station ( https://www.gmerc.org ), focusing on three species: chimpanzee, yellow baboon, and red-tailed monkey. The goal is to identify the fungi these primates consume and to better understand the ecological role of fungi in their diets. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72000

During the 2025–26 rainy season, we will carry out systematic fungal collections in western Tanzania. Each collection will be photographed and documented with ecological and morphological data. The material will then be processed for sequencing and later analysis in consultation with researchers.

Cuts to science funding have left limited support for work of this kind. We are turning to public contributions to cover export permits and ITS sequencing costs.

Our initial target of $5,000 will allow us to:

This work will provide a permanent scientific record of the fungi consumed by primates in the region and build a foundation for further studies. If we achieve our initial target, we will extend our survey samples and reserve funds to support publication and open-sourcing of our work.

About Me

My name is Noah Siegel. I am a field mycologist focused on fungal taxonomy and systematics. I have conducted field research on tropical fungi in Cameroon, Guyana, and Tanzania, in addition to extensive work in New Zealand and North America. I am the co-author of several widely used field guides, including Mushrooms of Alaska, Mushrooms of Cascadia and Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast, and have contributed to numerous taxonomic publications describing new fungal species. My focus is on building rigorous, accessible knowledge of fungal diversity through both scientific study and photography.

Your support will directly enable the sequencing and permitting required to carry out this important research.

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