Gasteroid fungi as diet component of the hairy armadillo, Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae), in the Dry Chaco Region of Paraguay

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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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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Gasteroid fungi as diet component of the hairy armadillo, Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae), in the Dry Chaco Region of Paraguay

Abstract: Chaetophractus villosus inhabits the Gran Chaco Basin of South America. The species is considered carnivorous-omnivorous, feeding primarily on plant matter and invertebrates. Here we present the first record of fungus in the diet of the species.

Cited by 1 publication

References 5 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

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