A Third of Assessed Fungi Species Face Extinction, Warns IUCN
Nearly one-third of fungi species evaluated by a leading conservation group are at risk of extinction. This warning comes from the latest edition of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘Red List’ of threatened species, published on Thursday. The key threats include deforestation, urban expansion, and intensive agriculture.
The Vital Role of Fungi in Ecosystems
Fungi form a vast scientific kingdom, second only in size to the animal kingdom. They are essential for many natural processes. These include breaking down organic matter, supporting forest regeneration, and aiding animal digestion. In human life, fungi help produce antibiotics, bread, and beer.
Despite their importance, fungi have long been overlooked. The IUCN says their crucial ecological role has not received enough attention. “Fungi are crucial to all life. Without fungi, an ecosystem can collapse quickly,” said Caroline Pollock, a Senior Programme Coordinator at IUCN.
Under Threat from Human Activity
The IUCN’s recent assessment revealed that 411 out of 1,300 fungi species face a high risk of extinction. That amounts to nearly a third of those assessed. However, this is only a small sample of the estimated 2.5 million fungi species believed to exist globally. Most have yet to be officially identified.
A major threat to fungi is habitat loss. Expanding agriculture and urban areas have replaced natural environments. In addition, chemical run-off from farming, including nitrogen and ammonia, harms fungal ecosystems.
At least 198 species are threatened specifically by deforestation. Even in regions with rotational forestry, the removal of old-growth forests can prevent fungi from re-establishing. This is because many fungi depend on stable, mature forest conditions to thrive.
Mushrooms Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg
While mushrooms are the most visible part of fungi, they are only the fruiting bodies. The majority of each organism lies underground, spread through root-like structures called mycelia. These networks play a silent but essential role in maintaining ecological balance.
The IUCN is working to raise awareness and improve research into fungi. Their goal is to ensure fungi receive the same conservation efforts as animals and plants.
with inputs from Reuters