MBZ Fomitiporia nubicola 2.0
Securing the Future: Field Monitoring and Ex-situ Conservation of the Critically Endangered Fungus Fomitiporia nubicola from the Cloud Forests
Fomitiporia nubicola is an endemic fungus of the Brazilian cloud forests and a parasite of a characteristic tree genus of this vegetation type, Drimys—a relict and endemic species found in high-elevation ecosystems. These montane forests, located primarily between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level in the Serra Geral, create a unique microclimate marked by cool temperatures and persistent cloud cover. This environment ensures the high humidity necessary for the survival of the fungus. The species name, nubicola, meaning “inhabitant of the clouds,” reflects this close relationship with the misty forest environment. Representing only about 1% of Brazil’s forest ecosystems, these cloud forests are geographically restricted and naturally fragmented, making them one of the most climate-sensitive ecosystems.
Initially, Fomitiporia nubicola was assessed as Vulnerable (VU). With previous support from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZF), the MIND.Funga project carried out field investigations to better understand the species’ biology. The data collected during this effort led to its reclassification as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Global Red List in 2022. The habitat is under pressure from human activities such as cattle grazing, burning, and land-use change, causing continuous degradation of vegetation, interconnected life forms, and vital resources such as water.
The present project aims to further conservation actions for the Critically Endangered F. nubicola. Its main objectives include:
- Monitoring the species in situ along with its host: This includes surveying the largest known subpopulation in São Joaquim National Park (SJNP) and determining its distribution limits. At least 10 individuals of F. nubicola will be tagged and georeferenced. Subsequent field visits will be conducted every two months over 18 months to monitor the growth of basidiomes and the progression of host wood decay.
- Exploring new potential sites outside SJNP: Targeting the identification of previously unknown populations and areas suitable for conservation efforts.
- Establishing an ex-situ culture collection: Small tissue samples will be extracted from the hymenophores of collected specimens and used to develop in vitro cultures. These cultures will undergo various preservation techniques to assess viability and prepare for future spawn production and reintroduction activities—ensuring the long-term preservation of the species’ genetic diversity.
- Understanding the biological and ecological requirements of the species, including its phenology and generation time.
Following the completion of the project, the next phase of F. nubicola conservation will focus on collaboration with governmental agencies to develop policies that protect the cloud forest ecosystem and ensure the species’ long-term survival. This includes leveraging collected data for targeted conservation actions, promoting scientific knowledge, and increasing public and academic awareness.
Background and Context
The MIND.Funga research group at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) has been studying F. nubicola since 2011. The species was formally described as new in 2020. It was the focal species of a previous MBZF project (No. 202524755), which yielded new data to better understand population size and trends, ultimately leading to its reclassification as Critically Endangered. That project estimated the species’ potential distribution, but field expeditions did not confirm additional sites, and no specimens were found at the smaller known site (EFEH). Community outreach activities were carried out to raise awareness about the importance of fungal conservation.
