Modeling mycorrhizal fungi dispersal by the mycophagous swamp wallaby (<i>Wallabia bicolor</i>)

Danks, Melissa; Simpson, Natalie; Elliott, Todd F.; Paine, C. E. Timothy; Vernes, Karl

doi:10.1002/ece3.6873

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 103 publications

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“…More studies on spore passage rates in many groups of mammals are needed to better understand the processes behind fungal spore dispersal in various mammal species and to develop modelling applications similar to those widely used by plant ecologists. One modelling study showed that swamp wallabies ( Wallabia bicolor ) regularly disperse fungal spores hundreds of metres (in some instances up to 1 265 m) from where the sporocarp was initially ingested ( Danks et al 2020 ). Such long-distance dispersal events have strong ecological significance for fungal taxa, particularly those with sequestrate sporocarp morphologies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Elliott

Truong

Jackson

et al. 2022

Fungal Systematics and Evolution

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The consumption of fungi by animals is a significant trophic interaction in most terrestrial ecosystems, yet the role mammals play in these associations has been incompletely studied. In this review, we compile 1 154 references published over the last 146 years and provide the first comprehensive global review of mammal species known to eat fungi (508 species in 15 orders). We review experimental studies that found viable fungal inoculum in the scats of at least 40 mammal species, including spores from at least 58 mycorrhizal fungal species that remained viable after ingestion by mammals. We provide a summary of mammal behaviours relating to the consumption of fungi, the nutritional importance of fungi for mammals, and the role of mammals in fungal spore dispersal. We also provide evidence to suggest that the morphological evolution of sequestrate fungal sporocarps (fruiting bodies) has likely been driven in part by the dispersal advantages provided by mammals. Finally, we demonstrate how these interconnected associations are widespread globally and have far-reaching ecological implications for mammals, fungi and associated plants in most terrestrial ecosystems.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Elliott

Truong

Jackson

et al. 2022

Fungal Systematics and Evolution

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“…Given that this region has one of the most thoroughly studied communities of small mycophagous mammals (Claridge and May 1994;Nuske et al 2017;Elliott et al 2022), it is possible to test whether the presence of prey mammals known to eat fungi is correlated with the presence of spores in predator faeces. Despite the ecological importance of mycorrhizal fungi, only one previous study has applied modelling to estimate the dispersal potential of a mycophagist (Danks et al 2020). No previous studies have modelled or investigated secondary dispersal by predators.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The dingo (Canis familiaris) as a secondary disperser of mycorrhizal fungal spores

et al. 2023

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Context. Many mycorrhizal fungi are vital to nutrient acquisition in plant communities, and some taxa are reliant on animal-mediated dispersal. The majority of animals that disperse spores are relatively small and have short-distance movement patterns, but carnivoresand especially apex predatorseat many of these small mycophagists and then move greater distances. No studies to date have assessed the ecosystem services carnivores provide through long-distance spore dispersal. Aims. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Australia's free-ranging dogs (Canis familiaris), including dingoes, act as long-distance spore dispersers by predating smaller mycophagous animals and then secondarily dispersing the fungi consumed by these prey species. Methods. To answer this question, we collected dingo scats along 40 km of transects in eastern Australia and analysed the scats to determine the presence of fungal spores and prey animals. Using telemetry and passage rate data, we then developed a movement model to predict the spore dispersal potential of dingoes. Key results. We found 16 species of mammalian prey to be eaten by dingoes, and those dingo scats contained spores of 14 genera of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi were more likely to appear in the scats of dingoes if primary mycophagist prey mammals had been consumed. Our model predicted dingo median spore dispersal distance to be 2050 m and maximum dispersal potential to be 10 700 m. Conclusions. Our study indicates that dingoes are providing a previously overlooked ecosystem service through the long-distance dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. Many of the fungi found in this study form hypogeous (underground) fruiting bodies that are unable to independently spread spores via wind. Because dingoes move over larger areas than their prey, they are especially important to these ecosystem functions. Implications. Our novel approach to studying an overlooked aspect of predator ecology is applicable in most terrestrial ecosystems. Similar modelling approaches could also be employed to understand the dispersal potential of both primary and secondary spore dispersers globally. Because this study highlights an unrecognised ecosystem service provided by dingoes, we hope that it will stimulate research to develop a more comprehensive understanding of other apex predators' ecosystem functions.

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“…This may be because research methodology for spore and seed dispersal has not yet been established (Murray, 1988; Otani & Shibata, 2000). Recent developments in molecular biological techniques or global positioning system devices for tracking the movement of life are expected to advance research in this area (Ashley, 2010; Danks et al, 2020; Ma et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal spore transport by omnivorous mycophagous slug in temperate forest

Kitabayashi

Kitamura

Tuno

2022

Ecology and Evolution

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Slugs are important consumers of fungal fruiting bodies and expected to carry their spores. In this study, we examined whether slugs (Meghimatium fruhstorferi) can act as effective dispersers of spores of basidiomycetes. The microscopic observation confirmed the presence of basidiospores in feces of field‐collected slugs, and the DNA metabarcoding study revealed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were major fungal taxa found in the feces. In Basidiomycota, the dominant order was Agaricales followed by Trichosporonales and Hymenochaetales. The laboratory experiments using Tylopilus vinosobrunneus showed that slugs carried a large number of spores in their digestive tracts. It was also observed that Pleurotus, Armillaria, and Gymnopilus spores excreted by slugs had a higher germination capacity than control spores collected from spore prints. The field experiments showed that slugs traveled 10.3 m in 5 h at most by wandering on the ground, litter layers, wood debris, and tree trunks. These results suggest that slugs could carry spores of ectomycorrhizal, saprophytic, and wood‐decaying fungi to appropriate sites for these fungi to establish colonies.

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Modeling mycorrhizal fungi dispersal by the mycophagous swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)

Cited by 11 publications

References 103 publications

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

The dingo (Canis familiaris) as a secondary disperser of mycorrhizal fungal spores

Fungal spore transport by omnivorous mycophagous slug in temperate forest

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