The state of mycology in Honduras

Abstract

Despite the ecological, economic, and medical importance of fungi, they remain understudied in tropical regions. Honduras, situated within the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, encompasses a wide range of ecosystems supporting high fungal diversity. Based on fungus-to-vascular plant ratios, fungal alpha diversity is estimated at ∼74,000–83,000 species in the country, but currently <1400 species have been reported. Research in Honduras is constrained by limited infrastructure, funding, and local experts. Although mycological studies have been conducted in the country for decades, no examination of achievements and critical gaps exists. Here, we provide an overview of historical and current mycological research in Honduras, identifying major knowledge gaps, as well as logistical, institutional, and funding challenges that limit progress. Historical research has focused on plant pathogens, animal-associated parasites and pathogens, endophytic fungi, lichenized fungi, macrofungal diversity, and ethnomycology. Ongoing initiatives include medical mycology investigations of dermatophytes and Candida species, a fungal biodiversity survey in Cusuco National Park, metabarcoding of fungi in agricultural and natural soils, and an ethnomycology project in collaboration with the Lenca and Maya-Chortí Indigenous peoples. We outline short-, mid-, and long-term priorities to advance Honduran mycology and justify future research projects. The goal of this overview is to inform decision-makers and encourage the allocation of resources to initiatives that promote the study of fungi in Honduras and other understudied tropical regions. Expanding fungal research is essential for generating critical data to support global efforts to document, understand, and protect fungal diversity.