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

Abstract

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.

The fungal rat race: mycophagy among rodent communities in eastern Australia

“…There is substantial experimental data indicating that mycorrhizal fungal spores survive transit through the digestive system of various Australian murid rodents (McGee and Baczocha 1994;Reddell et al 1997), as well as rodents in other regions of the world (Trappe and Maser 1976;Colgan and Claridge 2002;Caldwell et al 2005;Ori et al 2018;Elliott et al 2022). We found no evidence in the literature that the digestive system of rodents or any other mammal prevents the germination of fungal spores.…”

“…We urge researchers working with murids and other rodents in Australia and beyond to direct more attention toward understanding the fungal components of these animals' diets. In most regions of the world, only a handful of rodent species have been thoroughly studied and are recognised as being highly important mycophagous species and spore dispersers (Fogel and Trappe 1978;Elliott et al 2022). There are hundreds of other rodent species that are likely to be equally important but remain unrecognised as spore dispersers.…”

“…The significance of rodents as important fungal spore dispersers is gradually becoming more widely recognised, but it still remains incompletely studied. A recent global review indicated that more than 220 rodent species incorporate fungi into their diet (Elliott et al 2022). Despite their ecological significance, threatened or extinct rodents rarely generate the same conservation attention as do larger, more charismatic animals.…”

“…At maturity, these fungi usually produce strong aromas that enable their detection by rodents and other animals . After eating the fruiting bodies, these mycophagists subsequently disperse viable fungal spores through their scats (Vašutová et al 2019;Elliott et al 2022). Most sequestrate fungi also form mycorrhizal associations with plants and are essential to plant nutrient uptake (Tedersoo et al 2010).…”

Mycophagy: A Global Review of Interactions between Invertebrates and Fungi

“…Mycophagy (or fungivory) is the consumption of fungi by other organisms. This interaction has been documented in many groups such as bacteria [ 1 ], mammals [ 2 ], reptiles [ 3 ], birds [ 4 ], and invertebrates [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Mycophagy is common in almost all ecosystems where fungi and other organisms occur but does not receive as much attention as similar interactions.…”