In the misty mountain ranges of Colombia’s eastern Andes, a remarkable effort is underway. Amid the towering Colombian black oaks, which have witnessed centuries of change, researchers are turning to a surprising ally in their battle to protect endangered tree species — fungi. These often-overlooked organisms, working quietly beneath the forest floor, are now being recognized for their pivotal role in keeping ecosystems alive.
It’s a story of collaboration between fungi, trees, and determined scientists, working together to combat the growing threat of extinction. As the ecological balance in South America teeters due to deforestation and climate change, fungi are emerging as one of the most powerful tools for preserving biodiversity.
Walking Among Giants: The Colombian Black Oak
The Colombian black oak, scientifically known as Trigonobalanus excelsa, is a species that once thrived across the lush, high-altitude regions of Colombia. Unfortunately, over the last few centuries, the black oak’s range has dramatically shrunk, leaving only scattered fragments of its former habitat. Today, just 50,000 hectares (roughly 124,000 acres) of black oak forests remain.
Much of this destruction has been driven by human activity. Deforestation, primarily for timber and the expansion of agricultural land, has reduced these majestic trees to isolated pockets. In these fragmented forests, it’s becoming harder for the black oaks to survive.
This is where fungi come into play. While trees may seem to dominate the landscape, much of the real work happens underground. Mycorrhizal fungi, a group of fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, are a critical part of this story. They serve as a lifeline for the trees, helping them access essential nutrients that are otherwise difficult to obtain from the soil.
Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Trees’ Lifeline
Imagine a vast, hidden network beneath the forest floor, connecting tree roots to one another, sharing resources like water and nutrients across great distances. This is the world of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi form thin, thread-like structures called hyphae that intertwine with tree roots. In exchange for sugars produced by the trees during photosynthesis, the fungi provide essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, that help trees thrive in challenging environments.
“The relationship between fungi and plants is one of the oldest partnerships in nature,” explains Adriana Corrales, a mycologist leading research in Colombia. “Without fungi, many plants, including endangered trees like the Colombian black oak, would not be able to survive in their natural environments.”
The fungi play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and unlocking minerals trapped in the soil, making them accessible to the trees. For the Colombian black oak, this relationship is vital in the acidic, nutrient-poor soils it inhabits.
The Push to Save Endangered Trees: Fungi to the Rescue
Recognizing the importance of these underground networks, researchers like Corrales have been working to map and understand the fungal communities that support the black oak. Partnering with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), her team is conducting one of the first large-scale efforts to sequence the DNA of tropical mycorrhizal fungi in Colombia.
“For years, we’ve known about the role fungi play in temperate forests, but tropical ecosystems remain largely unstudied,” says Corrales. “Our goal is to uncover the secrets of these fungi and use that knowledge to help restore endangered tree species.”
Their research has already led to exciting discoveries. In areas where black oak seedlings have struggled to survive, researchers found that introducing specific fungi into the soil significantly improved the trees’ growth. The fungi, it turns out, help the trees absorb more nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is often scarce in their natural habitats.
By adding mycorrhizal fungi to the soil where black oaks are planted, scientists are giving these endangered trees a fighting chance. In one experiment, 3,000 black oak seeds were planted in greenhouse pots inoculated with fungi. The results were impressive — where previous reforestation efforts had failed, the fungi-enhanced soil allowed the seedlings to grow strong and healthy.
Discovering New Fungal Species Along the Way
During their fieldwork, Corrales’s team frequently encounters previously unknown species of fungi. On one memorable expedition, they found a delicate purple-capped mushroom no larger than a fingernail. This tiny fungus, part of the Russula genus, had never been documented before in this region.
Such discoveries are important for more than just academic curiosity. Each newly identified species could hold the key to understanding how mycorrhizal fungi support different types of trees and plants. For scientists like Corrales, every new fungus represents a piece of the puzzle in the fight to save endangered species.
In addition to discovering new species, researchers are using advanced DNA barcoding techniques to identify which fungi are present in the soil and how they interact with different tree species. This information is critical for developing targeted conservation strategies that leverage the unique properties of local fungal communities.
Restoring Ecosystems, One Tree at a Time
The success of Corrales’s research has sparked interest in using fungi to aid in ecological restoration efforts across South America. In Colombia, local communities are getting involved in reforestation projects aimed at restoring black oak forests.
One such community member is Nelly Salazar Asturillo, a coffee farmer in Huila who has become a key player in the conservation effort. On her small farm, Salazar has grown 90 black oak saplings, which she nurtured with great care before transplanting them into the forest. She has also shared her knowledge with other farmers, encouraging them to participate in the restoration efforts.
Another notable advocate for the black oak is Lucia Urbano, who once made a living by cutting down the trees for charcoal. Today, she’s a champion of reforestation, planting black oaks on her land and inspiring others to do the same.
Looking Beyond Colombia: A Regional Movement for Fungal Conservation
The work being done in Colombia is part of a larger trend across Latin America, where scientists are increasingly recognizing the importance of fungi in conservation efforts. In Argentina, biologist Valeria Faggioli is leading a similar project to preserve the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana), another endangered species. Faggioli is studying how mycorrhizal fungi contribute to the survival of these trees, which have a deep cultural significance for indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, in Chile, fungi ecologist César Marín is working to restore the iconic alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides), one of the largest and longest-living tree species in the world. Marín’s research in Alerce Costero National Park is focused on understanding how fungi can support the reforestation of alerce forests, which have been severely impacted by logging.
The Future of Conservation: Harnessing Fungi for Biodiversity
The work of Corrales, Faggioli, and Marín is part of a growing recognition that conservation must go beyond simply planting trees. To truly restore ecosystems, we need to consider the complex relationships between plants, fungi, and other organisms.
Fungi, in particular, play a vital role in maintaining the health and resilience of forest ecosystems. By understanding and harnessing these underground networks, we can develop more effective conservation strategies that not only protect endangered species but also ensure the long-term survival of entire ecosystems.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that fungi will play an increasingly important role in the fight against deforestation and climate change. Their ability to support plant growth, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity makes them an invaluable tool for conservationists around the world.
In conclusion, the humble fungi are proving to be powerful allies in the fight to save endangered trees in South America. By studying the intricate relationships between fungi and plants, scientists are uncovering new ways to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity. As these efforts continue, the future of conservation may well depend on the partnerships we forge with the smallest organisms living beneath our feet.
