SAFEGUARDING THE HIDDEN MYCOBIOTA OF SWAT, PAKISTAN: EVIDENCE GAPS, THREATS, CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND PROPOSED CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Fungi are one of the least protected elements of the biodiversity in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. District Swat, Pakistan, has a good representation of macrofungal diversity comprising morels (Morchella spp.), commercially harvested wood-decay Polyporales, ectomycorrhizal communities and some recently described species. Although taxonomic documentation of fungi has improved, there has bee a lag in fungal conservation compared to plant and vertebrate conservation. Systematic evidence synthesis that critically reviews the published information about the mycobiota of Swat. Taking the PRISMA approach, papers were searched from key databases and studies were selected that contained taxonomic and ecological data, ethnomycological data or threat relevant data relevant to Swat or its immediate environs. Identify and compile evidence of documented diversity, vulnerabilities by habitat, anthropogenic and environmental pressures and climate related risk amplifiers. Distinguish three evidence categories: demonstrated (Swat-specific), supported (regionally transferable) and hypothesized (mechanistically plausible but not locally quantified). Fungal Conservation Priority Index (FCPI) is mathematically formulated using standardized criteria, explicit weighting options and recommended sensitivity analysis. A spatial prioritization framework for multiple criteria was outlined for possible future GIS implementation. Conservation-gap matrix quantifies gaps in knowledge at the taxonomy, distribution, population trends, climate response, harvest sustainability and protected-area coverage levels. The resulting Swat Fungal Conservation Model combines inventory, DNA identification, GIS mapping, threat assessment, vulnerability assessment, FCPI scoring, habitat protection, community involvement, sustainable harvesting, ex-situ measures and long term monitoring. This review offers a way to go from a largely narrative literature to an evidence-base and transparent, quantitative prioritization process to actionable conservation for Swat mycobiota.