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
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