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A fungal perspective on conservation biology

Heilmann-Clausen, Jacob, Barron, Elizabeth S., Boddy, Lynne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1845-6738, Dahlberg, Anders, Griffith, Gareth W., Norden, Jenni, Ovaskainen, Otso, Perini, Claudia, Senn-Irlet, Beatrice and Halme, Panu 2015. A fungal perspective on conservation biology. Conservation Biology 29 (1) , pp. 61-68. 10.1111/cobi.12388

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Abstract

Hitherto fungi have rarely been considered in conservation biology, but this is changing as the field moves from addressing single species issues to an integrative ecosystem-based approach. The current emphasis on biodiversity as a provider of ecosystem services throws the spotlight on the vast diversity of fungi, their crucial roles in terrestrial ecosystems, and the benefits of considering fungi in concert with animals and plants. We reviewed the role of fungi in ecosystems and composed an overview of the current state of conservation of fungi. There are 5 areas in which fungi can be readily integrated into conservation: as providers of habitats and processes important for other organisms; as indicators of desired or undesired trends in ecosystem functioning; as indicators of habitats of conservation value; as providers of powerful links between human societies and the natural world because of their value as food, medicine, and biotechnological tools; and as sources of novel tools and approaches for conservation of megadiverse organism groups. We hope conservation professionals will value the potential of fungi, engage mycologists in their work, and appreciate the crucial role of fungi in nature.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Biosciences
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Uncontrolled Keywords: decomposers; ecosystem services; forest ecology; indicator species; lichens; mycorrhizal fungi; non-timber forest products; pathogens; descomponedores; ecología de bosques; especies indicadoras; hongos micorrízicos; líquenes; patógenos; productos no-maderos de los bosques; servicios ambientales
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
ISSN: 0888-8892
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 30 March 2016
Last Modified: 07 Nov 2023 03:04
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/65376

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