Underground Explorers

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are essential components of forest ecosystems, regulating nutrient cycling, supporting tree vitality and contributing to forest resilience. However, their diversity and distribution in Kosovo’s montane coniferous forests remain poorly documented, limiting our ability to understand and monitor their responses to climate change. This project will establish the first comprehensive baseline dataset on ECM fungal diversity in these ecosystems through systematic field surveys and assessment of fungal associations with dominant coniferous tree species. The study will provide essential information for identifying fungal communities and habitats that may be particularly vulnerable to increasing temperatures and drought stress. The generated data will support future biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning and adaptive forest management in Kosovo. At regional and international levels, the project will contribute to research on mycorrhizal diversity in Southeast Europe and strengthen understanding of forest ecosystem resilience under changing climatic conditions.