Melissa Mardones is a mycologist, focused on the study of the diversity of fungi in Costa Rica and the taxonomy and systematics of ascomycetes, mainly plant parasitic fungi. She is a researcher and ...
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP
IUCN SSC Cup-fungi, Truffles and Allies Specialist Group
Overview and description
Description:
This Specialist Group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Specialized Services (IUCN SSC) promotes the conservation of ascomycete fungi by educating people about their ...
Group leadership
Dr Melissa MARDONES HIDALGO
Co-Chair
Melissa Mardones is a mycologist, focused on the study of the diversity of fungi in Costa Rica and the taxonomy and systematics of ascomycetes, mainly plant parasitic fungi. She is a researcher and associate professor at the Department of Biology, and curator of the Fungal Collection at the Herbarium USJ, at the University of Costa Rica.
MISSION
Promote the conservation of ascomycete fungi by raising awareness that they have vital roles as nutrient recyclers, mutualistic symbionts of animals and plants, and as checks and balances in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and that like animals, plants and other fungi, they are endangered by climate change, habitat destruction, persecution and pollution.
Specialist Group work
We plan to have the basic infrastructure within IUCN to enable the conservation of ascomycete fungi to be promoted, with global Red List evaluations for at least 150 species.
Conservation Assessments
Evaluate non-lichen-forming ascomycetes for the IUCN Red List, particularly those with human food value.
Annual Report
Learn about CFTASG’s work and results in 2023.
Previous reports:
CFTASG Annual Report 2022
CFTASG Annual Report 2021
CFTASG Annual Report 2020
CFTASG Annual Report 2019
CFTASG Annual Report 2018
CFTASG Annual Report 2016-2017
Geoglossum cookeanum. Photo by IUCN SSC Cup-fungi, Truffles and their Allies
Photo: IUCN SSC Cup-fungi, Truffles and their Allies
Field image of stroma of Hypocreopsis rhododendri [preliminary assessment, Vulnerable], on bark of Corylus avellana, Pembrokeshire, UK. (Bar = approx. 10 mm)
Photo: IUCN SSC Cup-fungi, Truffles and their Allies
