Chinese researchers have unveiled a major discovery on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, identifying 19 previously unknown fungal species and expanding scientific understanding of the region’s rich biodiversity. The findings, published in leading journals Journal of Fungi and Fungal Diversity, highlight the plateau’s ecological significance amid its harsh climate and unique geography.
A joint research team from the Institute of Plateau Biology and the Key Laboratory of Mycology in the Xizang Autonomous Region conducted extensive scientific expeditions, collecting over 3,300 fungal specimens. Utilizing advanced DNA barcoding and molecular phylogenetic analysis, the team documented 879 species, including 12 newly recorded in China.
Macrofungi, critical decomposers and symbionts in the plateau’s ecosystem, play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecological stability. These discoveries enrich China’s fungal database and provide insights into the resilience of high-altitude ecosystems, offering potential applications for conservation and biochemical research.
The study underscores the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, while emphasizing the need for further exploration to address climate-related ecological challenges.
