Acronym

J1-70057

Contract number

J1-70057

Department:

Department of Biology

Type of project

ARIS projects

Type of project

Basic research project

Role

Lead

Duration

01.03.2026 - 28.02.2029

Total

1,66 FTE

Project manager at BF

Maček Irena

Abstract

A central aim in ecology is to understand the factors that regulate the abundance of different species within a community. Soil biodiversity is a complex and under-researched area, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 has emphasised the need to protect it. Mycorrhizal fungi are a key component of this diversity, as they form symbiotic relationships with most terrestrial plants and have an important role in nutrient uptake and soil stabilisation. However, little is known about the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi by animals, especially in Europe. This project aims to fill this knowledge gap by studying the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi by selected mammal species in Slovenia and southern Europe. Slovenia is an ideal study area due to its high biodiversity and healthy populations of ungulates and carnivores. The country contains several ecological regions, including the Alpine, Pre-Alpine, Sub-Mediterranean and Pre-Pannonian areas, which provide a range of habitats for different species. The project will bring together researchers from wildlife ecology, plant ecology, soil microbiology, bioinformatics and data science to investigate the role of different mammalian species in the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi within their food webs and ecological networks. While there is some evidence that mammals consume mycorrhizal fungi and disperse their spores, little research has been conducted on this topic. The project will use advanced molecular techniques such as DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA analysis to identify the fungal communities that may be dispersed by mammals. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of mammals in the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi and their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The project will also examine the importance of fungi in mammalian diets and the potential accumulation of hazardous elements in fungal fruiting bodies that may pose a threat to animal and human health within the food web. By combining ecological and evolutionary perspectives, the project aims to provide a holistic understanding of the interactions between mammals, mycorrhizal fungi and plants in terrestrial ecosystems. Using state-of-the-art techniques, we will be able to analyse complex species interactions and quantify ecosystem functions. This knowledge will be crucial for the management and protection of soil biodiversity in the face of global change, including climate change, habitat degradation and species range shifts. Overall, the project represents an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to studying the importance of animal dispersal in terrestrial ecosystems. 

 

Researchers

 

The phases of the project and their realization

WP1: Dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi by animals (in progress)

WP2: Nutritive and toxic compounds in fungal tissues entering food webs (in progress)

WP3: Testing infectivity of fungal propagules (in progress)

WP4: Dissemination (in progress)

 

Project partners