Fungi are the most diverse group of organisms apart from the insects. One thing common to all of them is that they do not make their own food and must feed on pre-existing organic matter. Australia is estimated to have 160 000 to 250 000 fungal species, of which less than five per cent have been described. They occupy almost every habitat and are important in ecosystem function and the maintenance of biodiversity, from the individual organism to the global level. The Fungi of Australia book series is a major initiative of ABRS. The taxa to be treated in the Fungi of Australia include members of three kingdoms: the Protoctista (the slime moulds), the Chromista (the chytrids and hyphochytrids) and the Eumycota. Other fungi-related resources produced by ABRS include interactive keys and catalogues and posters.
Fungi contact: Dr P.McCarthy
The first parts of this major series provide an introduction to the diversity and importance of fungi in Australia, and a census of currently known species.