Do I need to identify the moss?
No. Participants do not need to identify the moss themselves.
Kumamuchizu focuses on information such as location, substrate, and light conditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about participating in Kumamuchizu.
Submission and shipping procedures may be updated as the project operates.
Do I need to find a tardigrade before sending the sample?
No. Researchers will check whether tardigrades are present.
Records with no tardigrades are also useful for understanding where they are not found.
Can I collect on a rainy day?
Please avoid it in general. During or just after rain, tardigrades can be harder to detect even in moss where they usually occur.
Because they are commonly found in dry moss, please collect on a dry day.
Can I collect in a park?
Some parks prohibit collecting plants or moss. Check local rules before collecting.
Do not collect on private property, restricted areas, cultural properties, or protected sites.
How much should I collect?
As a guide, collect enough to fill at least half of the provided bag, while taking care not to damage the environment.
What do I use to record sampling data?
We use Epicollect5 for recording. Epicollect5 is an app similar to Google Forms that can capture GPS with one button and scan barcodes. Enter the sampling date, location, substrate, light conditions, and other information.
Will the exact sampling location be public?
No. Exact GPS coordinates and sampling points are not published. The public map uses representative points near municipal offices.
Will my name or contact information be public?
No. Names and contact details are used for research communication and sample management and are not shown on public pages or public datasets.
Before You Participate
Before collecting, please review the participation guide and data policy.