Scientists have identified a newly discovered species of fungus among the “wild and beautiful species” found in the Scottish highlands.
A species of the genus Squamanita, previously unknown to scientists, was discovered in Cairngorm National Park after mountaineers collected hundreds of soil samples from the area.
The DNA was extracted from the soil and identified by researchers at the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen. There they discovered some 2,748 species of fungi.
These include “stifling” mushrooms (Squamanita contortipes), named for their ability to overwhelm other fungi, and amanita groenlandica, an arctic species native to Greenland that had not previously been discovered in southern Scandinavia.
Keilidh Ewan, project manager for Plantlife, said the study will help us understand the threats facing this vulnerable habitat.
He states: “There are more organisms in a teaspoon of soil than there are people on earth, and soil biodiversity plays a very important role in the functioning of ecosystems.
“By combining researchers, conservationists and communities, we have identified remarkable species in the wild and laid an evidence-based foundation for monitoring the impacts of future climate and environmental changes.”
“Ultimately, the more we understand, the more we can protect these beloved places for the future,” he added.
Source: Metro
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