Saving the forgotten kingdom in Malta
Journal Title: Microbial Biosystems Journal - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Fungi are different from animals and plants. Since at least the 1970s, scientists have agreed that fungi belong in their own separate biological kingdom which is likely to contain far more species than the plant kingdom. Ecologically and economically, the Fungi Kingdom is of an immense value and is necessary for sustainable life on planet earth. There are six kingdom classifications of life - with Fungi classified as a kingdom of their own. Taxa of Kingdom Fungi are diverse, and as the second largest group of organisms - after insects, are distributed among numerous groups of living organisms. Technological advances in molecular research have enabled mycologists to discover and identify fungal taxa. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million fungal species exist. In Malta the public perception, biodiversity and conservation of fungi is very low with awareness being close to non-existent. A lot of education regarding the subject is urgently needed. Malta Mycological Association (MMA) was founded only recently (2014) in an effort to promote awareness, interest and conservation regarding the importance of fungi, their function in the ecological system along with the importance and benefits of their existence in our environment. This work has to be considered as an important contribution to the nature conservation program in Malta. One important theme is the sustainable use of fungal resources, enforcement of legislations and conventions concerning the fungal diversity in different habitats in Malta. In addition to the urgency of environmental education, the application of appropriate protectedarea-management systems is also recommended. Given the importance of fungi to the biosphere and the increasing interest in fungal conservation worldwide, addressing oversights and obstacles such as these is a crucial step towards effective protection and management of fungi.
Authors and Affiliations
Lewis M
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP32941
- DOI -
- Views 383
- Downloads 0
Effect of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins on seed quality parameters of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
The Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins are known to be detrimental to plant and animals affecting their productivity and yield. This study evaluated effects of toxigenic A. flavus and aflatoxins on physical parameters l...
Biodiversity of macrofungi in Yenepoya Campus, Southwest India
Public and private institutions usually possess land space for buildings, play grounds, gardens, avenues and natural vegetation. Such landscapes possess diverse flora, fauna and microbiota. Inventory of biodiversity in...
Checklist of Algerian fungi – Part 1: Protozoan Fungal Analogues (Myxomycetes)
Informations on Algerian mycobiota are scattered through a wide array of journals, books, dissertations and the lack of comprehensive catalogs or checklists makes difficult to apprehend it diversity. By screening all a...
Amateur mycologists can assist to conserve fungi
The conservation of all members belonged to the forgotten kingdom (FUNGI) is overlooked all the time worldwide. Mycologists carry the responsibility to discuss these issues and communicate with public and politicians b...
Application of some insensitive probiotic lactic acid bacteria and ginger as functional dairy products
The use of dairy-based functional foods has increased markedly over the last few years. Ginger is believed to exert a wide range of therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate probiotic properties of twenty La...