Biodiversity Strategy - Gosford City Council - NSW Government

assumption that occupancy of a site implies suitability of habitat as individuals may
survive in areas that will be unsuitable for the next generation.
A - 5.5
Fungi and Microbial Biodiversity
Very little is known about fungi species and microorganisms and their importance to biodiversity.
It has been estimated that there are 250,000 species of fungi in Australia, of which
approximately only 5% have been formally described (Australian State of the Environment
Committee 2001). At the present rate of 200 new species recorded each year it will take more
than 1000 years to catalogue all the species in Australia (May, T.W. 1997). It is unknown how
many species exist in the Gosford local government area.
Figures 5.15 – 5.17 Some examples of local fungi, Ghost Fungi Omphalotus nidiformis, Starfish Fungi
Aseroe rubra that attracts insects with its fetid smell, and a Bracket Fungi Trametes
sp. (photos N. Bennetts).
In 1996 the Fungimap program was established through the Field Naturalist Club Victoria. This
program is designed to map the distribution of 100 target species. Around forty of these species
can be found in the Gosford area. An annual foray to the area is held in peak fungi season
(March - May) by the Sydney Fungal Studies Group and many species are collected, identified
and recorded. Fungimap are sent details of any target species found. However, very little is
known about the species that occur in Gosford and no data or herbaria has been stored.
In 2004 an informal local fungi group was established to address the lack of information on local
fungi species. The Central Coast Fungi Group holds workshops and forays to introduce
bushcarers and other interested people to fungi and to begin to collect and record data on the
species found locally. However without adequate funding and support the group can only
operate at a basic level. Ideally, surveys should be conducted in all habitats throughout the year
and intensively in the peak season. A list of fungal species for Katandra Reserve has been
compiled and is constantly being updated, similarly for Mill Creek in Dharug National Park (see
Appendix 2). Regular surveys will begin at Katandra reserve in early 2006.
Little is known about fungi and the way they interact within the ecosystems they occupy or their
range. Ignorance of fungal diversity and biology is a significant threat that will contribute to the
loss or decline of species (Scott et al. 1997). One example of a complex relationship is a fungi
which grows in the rotten wood of decomposing logs and stumps and whose sporocarps (or
fruiting bodies) provide nutrients and energy to insects and mammals (Maser et al. 1979 quoted
in Scotts 1991).
Microorganisms are also important components in nutrient cycling but are also poorly studied
and understood. Conservation of natural bushland, including fallen timber and logs, is required
to protect fungi and micro-organisms and the complex interrelationships that they have with
other natural resources.
Biodiversity - Technical Report Page 120