Mycologist Leads Three-Day Fungi Workshop in Tasmania's Tarkine Rainforest

A three‑day fungi workshop was held this week in Tasmania’s Takayna/Tarkine, the country’s largest cool‑temperate rainforest. The event, organised by the Tasmanian Mycological Society, brought together mycologists, ecologists and local volunteers to study the region’s diverse fungal communities. Participants, led by mycologist Alexis Buxton‑Collins, explored ancient Huon pine stands and surveyed the forest floor for species that play a critical role in nutrient cycling and forest health.

During the workshop, Buxton‑Collins reported a growing appreciation for the third kingdom of life among attendees, noting that fungi are “ecosystem engineers” that helped create the conditions for forests to thrive. Dr Alison Pouliot, a senior mycologist, highlighted that fungi predate both animals and photosynthetic trees, underscoring their foundational role in the ecosystem. The team collected samples, identified new species, and documented fungal‑plant interactions that support the forest’s long‑standing biodiversity, which includes rare freshwater crayfish and the legendary thylacine.

The workshop’s findings reinforce the importance of protecting Takayna/Tarkine’s fungal diversity as part of broader conservation efforts. By understanding how fungi shape this ancient landscape, scientists aim to inform management strategies that preserve the rainforest’s ecological integrity for future generations.