An unstoppable mushroom is tearing through North American forests
6 hours ago
- #fungi-conservation
- #ecology
- #invasive-species
- A rogue golden oyster mushroom from Asia is spreading rapidly in North American and European forests, outcompeting native fungi.
- The golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is highly invasive, reducing fungal biodiversity by up to 50% in affected areas.
- Fungi enthusiasts and scientists are cloning native species to preserve their genetics and combat invasive fungi.
- Other invasive fungi, like the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and slender golden bolete, are also spreading globally, threatening ecosystems.
- Climate change is aiding the spread of tropical fungi to new regions, such as the ping pong bat fungus in England.
- Fungal conservation is gaining attention, with over 1,300 fungi now listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
- Citizen scientists and mycologists are working to clone and reintroduce native fungi to counteract invasive species.