Mycophagy among Australian mammals

Abstract

Abstract This review provides a synthesis, from published and unpublished sources, of records of mycophagy (fungus‐feeding) by Australian mammals. Mycophagy is shown to be widespread among Australian mammals, paralleling the previously well‐documented situation in North America. Mycophagy appears to be most prevalent within the Potoroidae (rat‐kangaroo family) but has also been recorded for a variety of other mammals. Information is presented on the classification, morphology and ecology of the fungi consumed, on the nutritional benefits (or otherwise) of mycophagy, and on the role of mammals in spore dispersal. Fungi whose sporocarps are hypogeal (truffles, false‐truffles and sporocarpic Endogonaceae) and which enter into mycorrhizal relationships with plants predominate among the species recorded in mammal diets.