Funga evolved as a separate and highly specialised biological Kingdom representing ~9% of Australia’s biota and with far more species than flora.

Fungi are crucial in creating soil and regulating hydrological cycles, have highly beneficial relationships with flora and fauna and, like flora and fauna, fungi are are vulnerable to species loss.

Despite this it has taken until very recently to have the first fungus considered a threatened species – Tea Tree Fingers – under Australian biodiversity conservation laws, largely due to the longstanding neglect of fungal science.

Only 11,846 of an estimated 50,000 fungal species endemic to Australia have been described so far and fewer still studied for their ecological importance.

It is now clear that biodiversity conservation management must be informed by knowledge of the ecological connectedness of fungi to be effective.

So, it is essential that funga is recognised, taking its rightful place in the science of nature.

It is urgent that research in fungal taxonomy, ecology, biology, biogeography and phylogeny takes place. Science-based solutions are needed. Funding is crucial. Projects that educate and generate public interest must drive the necessary change.