Invasive Orange Pore Fungus Poses Threat to Australian Ecosystems, Wins Image Competition
Cornelia Sattler, a researcher from Macquarie University, Australia, has won the BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition with her captivating image of the invasive orange pore fungus. The image sheds light on the potential threats this species may pose to Australian ecosystems.
The orange pore fungus, also known as “Hot fairytale,” features bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest. While this fungus was initially observed in Madagascar, it has now spread throughout the world, including Australia. This invasive species displaces other fungi and is spreading rapidly in the Australian rainforest, threatening the biodiversity of the region.
Previous research has shown that invasive species, such as the European rabbit, root rot fungus, and feral pigs, have already endangered 82% of Australian species. To protect their unique ecosystem, Australia has implemented strict rules on the importation of plants, animals, and organic matter.
Cornelia Sattler emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring the orange pore fungus and its spread. She highlights how its spores are often transported by humans, underscoring the need to safeguard Australia’s biodiversity.
Senior Editorial Board Member Arne Traulsen praised Sattler’s image for allowing viewers to explore the world of fungi, which are often overlooked and understudied organisms.
In addition to Sattler’s winning image, the competition recognized other outstanding entries in four categories: Research in Action, Protecting our Planet, Plants and Fungi, and Paleontology.
Victor Huertas from James Cook University took the winning image for the Research in Action category. The photograph showcases the deployment of an underwater remotely operated vehicle at Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia. This tool allows scientists to explore ocean depths beyond the reach of divers and has led to the discovery of new species and the expansion of knowledge on fish species distributions.
Roberto García-Roa from the University of Lund, Sweden, won the Protecting our Planet category with his image of a sustainable beekeeping project. The project, initiated by the Chimpanzee Conservation Center in Guinea, aims to combat deforestation by encouraging locals to cultivate their own honey. The profits generated by the project fund chimpanzee conservation activities.
João Araújo from the New York Botanical Garden won the Plants and Fungi category with his image of a fungus parasitizing the fruiting body of a zombie-ant fungus. This fascinating phenomenon entails a fungus compelling infected ants to migrate to more suitable locations for its growth. Araújo highlights the recent efforts to catalog and describe these unique fungi that can kill other fungi.
The Paleoecology category winner, submitted by Jordan Mallon from the Canadian Museum of Nature, showcases an embryonic hadrosauroid dinosaur developing within an egg from China’s Upper Cretaceous red beds. The image provides insight into the early stages of dinosaur development and suggests the evolution of parental care among hadrosaurs.
The BMC Ecology and Evolution Image Competition aims to celebrate the intersection of art and science, allowing researchers to showcase their creativity in presenting their work. The winning images are selected by the journal’s editor and senior members of the editorial board.
Editor Jennifer Harman expressed her gratitude to all participants and commended the selected images for their scientific and artistic qualities. She hopes that viewers will enjoy exploring the stories behind these images as much as the judges did.