Recognition of Threatened Fungi
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) published, in June, an ordinance that establishes, for the first time, a national list of threatened fungi. The measure recognizes 24 Brazilian species of fungi under some degree of threat — in total, 21 are classified as "vulnerable" and three as "endangered". This action gives Brazilian fungi the same legal weight as fauna and flora.
The Importance of Fungi Conservation
Researchers in the area argue that the inclusion of fungi in conservation actions is fundamental for the protection of the country's ecosystems. Historically, according to them, fungi have been left out of environmental policies. The list prohibits the collection, transportation, storage, handling, processing, and commercialization of threatened species. Collection and handling for research purposes, on the other hand, will be allowed — as long as they are duly licensed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
The Mechanism Behind Fungi Conservation
Fungi conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. Fungi play a fundamental role in decomposing organic matter, forming soils, and producing nutrients for plants. In addition, many species of fungi have medicinal properties and are used in the production of medicines.
Broad Context: Fungi Conservation Worldwide
The list of threatened fungi in Brazil is an important step for ecosystem conservation in the country. However, fungi conservation is a global challenge. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many species of fungi are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and global warming.
What's Next: Challenges and Opportunities
The list of threatened fungi in Brazil will be updated as new studies and monitoring data expand knowledge about the conservation status of Brazilian fungi. The technical criteria used in the assessments will be made available by the MMA and the National Center for Flora Conservation (CNCFlora), under the coordination of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. According to Elisandro Ricardo Drechsler-Santos, a biologist specializing in fungi at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), scientists evaluated 123 species of fungi on the global IUCN list.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Fungi conservation is fundamental for protecting the country's ecosystems. The list of threatened fungi in Brazil is an important step for ecosystem conservation in the country. However, it is necessary to take additional measures to protect these species, such as creating conservation areas and educating the public about the importance of fungi.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published in Mongabay Brasil.