| Fungi are an incredibly diverse group of microorganisms that have major influence on terrestrial ecosystems. In spite of their diversity and integral function in native ecosystems there is currently limited support for, or utility derived from, incorporating fungi or the field of mycology into conservation biology theory and practice. Addressing the general lack of knowledge pertaining to fungal biodiversity, ecology, and biogeography is simply basic science, but it also, in the case of fungi, is the path to conservation. The South Hills of Idaho are a relatively unknown mountainous area on the Idaho-Nevada-Utah border that support many species of conservation concern and provide a wide range of goods and services to the local community. The objective of this thesis was to contribute to and diversify ongoing efforts aimed at increasing knowledge and strengthening awareness about the biodiversity of fungi and the value of the South Hills ecosystem. Between 2006 and 2009, surveys in the South Hills documented 129 distinct species/morphotypes of macrofungi. There was very little overlap between the macrofungi flora that fruit in the spring, summer or fall, and the season with the highest macrofungi diversity varied from year to year. The results of this research provide an initial answer to the question of what the biodiversity of macrofungi in the South Hills is, and address how biodiversity data can be applied to forward conservation practice.Keywords: fungi, macrofungi, mushroom, mycology, conservation biology, species diversity, biodiversity assessment, bioindicators, morphotypes, rarefaction, restoration, Idaho, South Hills. |
