Truffle fungi and northern bettongs in North Queensland

This project investigated the distribution of truffle fungi within sclerophyll forest and the ecotones or transitions zones with other forest types, and the implications for management of the endangered northern bettong, Bettongia tropica.

Native Australian truffles, similar in form to gourmet truffles, are found below ground or just below the leaf-litter. These truffles rely on mammals to disperse their spores. Bettongs locate truffles by smell, then dig them up and consume them, ultimately dispersing the spores in their scats. The endangered northern bettong have been known to rely on truffle fungi for as much as 67% of their diet.

This study showed: (1) that the northern bettong could rely on the truffle supply in ecotonal areas on the margins of rainforest except in the dry season when they had to rely on the leaf bases of cockatoo grass (Alloteropsis semialata); (2) within the study areas there was a much higher diversity than expected of truffle fungi, at least 49 species of which 31% are new to science.

The results of this study highlighted the diversity of truffle fungi present in ecotonal areas and suggests management strategies for the survival of the northern bettong, since it is largely dependent on truffles for food.

Contact name: Sandra.Abell@jcu.edu.au