Tick and data collection
Ticks were collected from April-December 2021 within the tick monitoring project https://www.kullancsfigyelo.hu, a citizen-science project aimed at monitoring the emergence and possible establishment ofHyalomma ticks in Hungary. We were asking participants through the self-made website to look for unusual hard ticks on themselves, their pets and their livestock. We called attention to specimens larger than usual with visible stripes on their legs and with apparently quick movement. To enhance visibility, the project was intensively communicated in local and national on-line media outlets, local and national television and radio channels and social media platforms.
Ticks were reported either by high-quality images sent by e-mail or physically delivered to the Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, personally or by mail. Information about safe removal, storage and postage of tick specimens was provided on the project website.