Estonian University of Life Sciences seeks Estonian names for 20 slime mould species

The Estonian University of Life Sciences is inviting the public to help name 20 slime mould species in Estonian. The university's fungal collection holds over 1,200 specimens, but only three species currently have Estonian names. A public interactive tool has been launched to crowdsource creative suggestions.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences is calling on the public to unleash their creativity and help give Estonian-language names to 20 species of slime moulds — a quirky and underappreciated group of organisms that blur the boundary between fungi and animals.

The university's fungal collection currently holds more than 1,200 slime mould specimens, yet only three species have official Estonian names. Those three — hundipiim (wolf's milk), puugipask (tick dung), and limasarvik (slime horn) — hint at the colourful and inventive tradition of Estonian nature naming.

To fill the gap, the university has launched an interactive public application where anyone can submit name proposals for the remaining 20 species. Participants are encouraged to let their imagination run free, drawing on the appearance, habitat, or behaviour of each organism.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to enrich the Estonian scientific vocabulary and make natural history more accessible and engaging for general audiences. Giving native-language names to species helps build a sense of connection between the public and the natural world around them.

Anyone interested in contributing can access the naming tool online and browse the species awaiting their Estonian debut. No scientific background is required — just a flair for language and a love of nature.