Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, unearthing hundreds of new fungal species that could unlock secrets of the region’s unique ecosystem.
Scientists from the Institute of Plateau Biology and the Key Laboratory of Mycology in the Xizang Autonomous Region embarked on multiple joint expeditions, collecting an impressive 3,361 specimens of wild fungi.
Through meticulous examination of the fungi’s external features and advanced DNA barcoding alongside molecular phylogenetic analysis, the team identified 879 species. Among these, 19 are newly published species, and 12 are newly recorded in China.
These findings, published in the Journal of Fungi and Fungal Diversity and reported by Science and Technology Daily, significantly enrich China’s macrofungi species database. They offer invaluable insights into the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau’s biodiversity.
The plateau’s distinct climate and geography have fostered a rich diversity of macrofungi. These fungi play essential roles as decomposers and symbionts, contributing to material cycling, energy flow, and maintaining ecological balance within the ecosystem.
This discovery not only highlights the ecological wealth of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau but also underscores the importance of preserving such environments for future scientific exploration and environmental sustainability.
