The effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics

Abstract

An understanding of the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics is of paramount importance if we are to conserve renewable resources effectively. Sustainable development may provide renewable resources, but what is the effect of sustainable practices on fungal diversity? Are the fungi of a secondary rainforest as diverse as those found in a pristine forest? Do agriculture practices conserve fungal diversity? What is the effect of water pollution on aquatic fungi? In this paper an attempt is made to examine the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity in the tropics. The fundamental lack of even basic knowledge of fungi in the tropics means that it is very difficult to explore this question and only a limited number of studies are available to provide relevant data. Fungal diversity appears to be related to plant diversity and therefore, loss of the plant diversity is likely to result in loss of fungal diversity. Fungal diversity may also be related to disturbance. Fungi on palms in a tropical pristine forest are a diverse assemblage. Fungi on agricultural palms or palms in botanical gardens, on the other hand, lack diversity and comprise a probable fungal weed component. We present the need for organized studies to look at the effect of human disturbance on fungal diversity.