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The mycological social network a way forward for conservation of fungal biodiversity

Part of: Multi-dimensionality of the biodiversity crisis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2020

Peter J Irga Open the ORCID record for Peter J Irga [Opens in a new window] ,
Laura Dominici  and
Fraser R Torpy
Peter J Irga*
Affiliation:
Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, University of Technology Sydney, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
Laura Dominici
Affiliation:
Applied Ecology Research Group, Politecnico di Torino, DIATI – Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, 10129 Turin, Italy
Fraser R Torpy
Affiliation:
Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, University of Technology Sydney, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Peter J Irga, Email: peter.irga@uts.edu.au
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Summary

Because knowledge of fungal diversity is very incomplete, it is possible that anthropogenic impacts are driving species to extinction before they have been discovered. Fungal inventories are still incomplete and do not reflect the complete diversity of this large taxon. Whilst molecular advancements are leading to an increased rate of species discovery, there is still much to be done to understand the diversity of fungi, identify rare species and establish conservation goals. Citizen science via social media could play an increasingly important role in mycological research, and its continued development should be supported and encouraged. The involvement of non-professionals in data collection helps increase public awareness, as well as extending the scope and efficiency of fungal surveys. Future academic mycological research could benefit from social media interaction and engagement with the amateur mycological community, which may accelerate the achievement of more effective conservation goals.

Keywords

amateurbiodiversity conservationcitizen sciencediversitymycologysocial media

Information

Type
Subject Review
Information
Environmental Conservation , Volume 47 , Issue 4 , December 2020 , pp. 243 - 250
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Foundation for Environmental Conservation

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