Unveiling the Diversity and Ecological Roles of Macrofungi in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia

Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Malaysia, hosts a diverse array of macrofungi, with Basidiomycota being the dominant phylum. The study identified 27 species from 14 families, predominantly saprophytic (81.5%), alongside mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi. Polyporales emerged as the most abundant order, contributing significantly to the forest's fungal diversity. This research highlights the ecological significance of macrofungi in tropical lowland dipterocarp forests, offering critical insights for conservation efforts amid urbanization pressures. The findings were derived from field surveys and morphological and molecular analyses of 333 sporocarps, emphasizing the influence of substrate richness and microclimates on macrofungal community structure.

Noor Aisyah Mohd Nordin, Zainudin, N. A. I. M., Syazwan, W. M., Aziz, N. A. A., Yusof, M. T., & Ramli, N. S. (2024). Unveiling the Diversity and Ecological Roles of Macrofungi in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia. Malaysian Applied Biology, 53(3), 59–70. https://doi.org/10.55230/mabjournal.v53i3.2996