Spatial patterns in the distribution of truffle-like fungi, mutualistic interactions with mammals, and spore dispersal dynamics

Abstract

Truffle-like fungi play an important role in the health of forested ecosystems yet we know relatively little of spatial trends in their distribution and related dispersal processes. This thesis examines the spatial distribution of truffle-like fungi and mutualistic interactions with mammals across contrasting habitat types (rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, dry open forest, and heathy woodland) on the New England Tablelands, north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. I also investigated whether mammal diets could be used as a surrogate method in detecting broad spatial patterns in fungal richness and composition. Spore dispersal dynamics in truffle-like fungi were explored by examining the relative role of different mammals as spore dispersal vectors with a specific focus on the mycophagist swamp wallaby 'Wallabia bicolor'. Finally, the thesis reports on the discovery of microbats as a potential long-distance dispersal (LDD) vector for macrofungi and the novel observation of a fungus fruiting in a cave environment.