Lambir Mushroom Project (proposal)
From BiodivBorneo09
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Introduction
In our project, a preliminary research on Basidiomycota between the forest gap and closed Dipterocarp forest in Lambir Hills will be conducted. This research in interesting in that fungus has been relatively understudied in Borneo given their crucial role in the nutrient cycle.
The question
- What is the difference in understorey Basidiomycota between the forest gap and closed forest in Lambir Hills?
In this project, we are interested in the larger fungi which grow on dead matter. Because of this ecological trait, we expect to find more diverse and abundant Basidiomycota community in the forest gap than in the closed forest. It is known that tropical forests can harbor the highest terrestrial biodiversity while growing on poor soil thanks to their highly effective nutrient cycle, in which decomposers like fungi is a vital chain. We believe that knowledge on fungi community<–“fungi community” to “fungal communities” or “the fungal population”–> can shed light in the dynamisms of the tropical rainforest in Lambir Hills.
Methods
By using the purposive sampling, twenty 2×2 m quadrats will be set up along the two trails near Lambir Hills National Park Head Quarters. For along the trail around Latak Waterfall, we set up 5 quadrats in the gap and 5 quadrats in the closed forest. For the trail leading to the ridge at the back of the Head Quarter, the same design of quadrats will be used along the way to and around the Japanese crane.
The area within each quadrat will be examined for the presence of Basidiomycota. Total number of fungi species and individuals encountered will be recorded, sketched and pictures will be taken for further reference.
Analysis
The null hypotheses are there is no difference in total number of larger fungi and fungi species between the two habitat types.
We will use generalized linear model to test the affect of habitat types, location of the plots, and humidity on Basidiomycota composition and abundance.
If the asterisks appear in testing habitat types, null hypotheses will be rejected, which means that there is a difference between these habitats.
References
- Pegler, D. N. (1997), The larger fungi of Borneo. Natural History Publications, Kota Kinabalu.
