Fungal Futures – Can Foraging and Conservation be Aligned?
Public interest in the ecology and taxonomy of Australian fungi has grown over the last three decades. Coinciding with this is a growing enthusiasm for foraging for wild edible fungi. This seminar explores the rise of foraging in Australia and potential benefits and risks involved. In particular, I examine the disparity between the level of public knowledge about fungi and that required for safe foraging; and secondly, the current lack of knowledge about fungus life histories and distribution and potential conservation issues. By reviewing similar situations in the USA and Europe, I ask how more sensitive and sustainable foraging practices could be encouraged in Australia, so as to minimise potential environmental damage, poisoning risk and the need for regulation.
OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
MONDAY 1 MAY 2017, 8pm
MELBOURNE, VIC
Cost: $3-
Venue: Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Club Room, 3 Gardenia Street, Blackburn.
Further information: alison@alisonpouliot.com