Fungi are mystical and largely overlooked by conservationists

Community scientists and specialists in California are documenting lichens and other fungi to fill knowledge gaps, while many species face threats from habitat loss, pollution and climate change.

At a field trip in northern California, lichen enthusiasts and scientists examined rocks and trees while searching for rare mushrooms such as the Manzanita butter clump. They did not find that particular mushroom, but the outing highlighted strong interest in lichens and other fungi. Fungi form a separate kingdom of life and serve as decomposers, partners in symbioses, and sources of food, medicine and materials. Scientists and volunteers say more on-the-ground documentation is needed because many species remain undocumented. Key facts: - The article notes scientists estimate roughly 2.5 million fungal species worldwide, and that about 155,000 species have been documented so far. - A study cited in the article estimated fungi contribute about $54 trillion to the global economy through food, medicine and other uses. - The IUCN Red List has evaluated 1,300 fungi and reports 411 of those are at risk of extinction. - Only two fungi species (both lichens) are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and protection levels vary by state and country. - Reported threats to fungi include climate change, altered rainfall and wildfires, flooding, logging, invasive insects, pollution and overharvesting, and community scientists are increasingly using platforms like iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer to document occurrences. Summary: The article describes growing engagement from amateur and professional mycologists, and groups such as the California Lichen Society, in recording fungal diversity to support conservation. It also reports that many species remain unrecorded, policy protections are limited in some places, and efforts to document species and inform conservation assessments are continuing.