Underground Explorers

Understanding the biology of threatened species is key to addressing the current biodiversity crisis. This project aims to expand biological and ecological knowledge of Lactifluus caatingae, a rare ectomycorrhizal fungus known only from the Caatinga region of Brazil and currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We will conduct field expeditions in the type locality and environmentally similar areas to locate sporomes, identify host plants, map the species’ distribution, and evaluate threats to its survival. In parallel, environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil and root samples will be analyzed using a metabarcoding approach to detect the presence of L. caatingae and uncover its mycorrhizal associations. The data generated will refine our understanding of the species’ distribution and ecological interactions, potentially informing a reassessment of its conservation status. In light of recent Brazilian policies that incorporate fungi into National Red Lists, these findings could support its inclusion in national conservation strategies. Furthermore, the use of high-quality eDNA data will enhance broader knowledge of soil fungal diversity in underexplored areas of the Brazilian semiarid, contributing to conservation efforts in one of the most threatened ecosystems in the tropics.