Conservation of New Zealand and Australian fungi

Abstract

Until recently, fungi have been omitted from conservation initiatives in New Zealand and Australia, despite their importance to biodiversity, to ecosystem functioning, and to humanity. Whole ecosystem conservation has been assumed to encompass fungi along with other biota. In a renewed assessment of threat status by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, 49 species of fungi have been accorded the highest threat category and are considered to be “nationally critical” several of these are discussed as case studies. In Australia, ten species and one community of fungi are listed under various legislation at the Federal and State level; case studies of six Australian species are presented. A majority of Australasian fungal species are known from very few collections, often restricting conclusions about their conservation status. Proposals towards effective conservation of Australasian fungi are outlined, and priorities presented for allocation of additional resources. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.