Estimating the Threatened Nature of Fungi

Forest and Bird, Issue 309, 1 August 2003, Page 34

Estimating the Threatened Nature of Fungi

ANN GRAEME

— With two-thirds of New Zealand’s fungi yet to be ‘scientifically described’,

learns that

many species are already at risk.

one of our native fungi were | \ | formally recognised as threatened species until last year. Now, it seems some mushrooms and many other kinds of fungi are among our threatened species. Only a handful of New Zealand mycologists have the knowledge to identify the local fungi. Many species may deserve classification as ‘threatened’ but knowledge of their distribution is often inadequate to determine the level of threat. Dr Peter Buchanan and his colleagues at Landcare Research have made a start in identifying threatened species. The team combined data from the 70,000 dried specimens of fungi held in the New Zealand Fungal Collection at Landcare Research in Auckland, with knowledge of fungi from the scientific literature, and mycological field experience spanning several decades. They identified 49 species as ‘nationally critical’ Fungi now make up 14 percent of our most threatened, nationally critical species. Sixteen other species were allocated to categories of lower threat. More than 1400

species, known from less than four collections, were designated "data deficient’ because they had too little data on which to base a judgement. It might seem easy to criticise the accuracy of so few workers using sometimes inadequate data in such a vast and under-explored field. Maybe their chosen fungi just seem rare because no one has looked for them in the right places? ‘For the 49 nationally critical fungi there’s only a slim chance that that is true, says Dr Buchanan. ‘But if it is, | very much look forward to learning that they are not threatened. I welcome any evidence that improves the status of a threatened fungus. If we chose, instead, to procrastinate on designating threatened species, there is a strong likelihood that some species will be lost to anonymity and extinction’ By drawing attention to fungi, by giving them status and acknowledging their vulnerability, mycologists are helping to focus attention — and hopefully protection — on species and habitats which may otherwise be overlooked. — ANN GRAEME

Defining Vulnerability

To be recognised as ‘nationally critical’, the Department of Conservation’s highest category for species at risk, lifeforms must meet one of three criteria: ie The species must have fewer than 250 mature individuals. . There must be no more than two sub-populations and either less than 200 mature individuals in the largest subpopulation or they occupy less than one hectare. . Be predicted to decline by more than 80 percent in the next 10 years due to existing threats. Because of the difficulty of identifying what is a fungal individual, the mycologists mainly used the second of the Department's criteria, that of area.

Fungal Photos

Don Horne, who provided most of the pictures for this feature, is the acknowledged expert in photographing fungi in New Zealand. A keen member of Waikato Forest and Bird he has attended all but one of the Fungal Forays over the years. Don Horne has been recognised as a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand for his work. His pictures have been widely published and even featured on a postage stamp series dedicated to New Zealand fungi. Don Horne is also author of a Reed Nature Guide to Mushrooms and Other Fungi of New Zealand published in 2000. It is illustrated with images like those opposite which capture some of the fascination of finding fungi in the field.