Why in News

• Haryana's first mushroom survey to explore and preserve the rich diversity of fungi, flora and fauna will be conducted on 30 September 2021 at Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Yamunanagar district.

Key Points

• Haryana Forest Department spokesman said that the survey would be conducted under the guidance of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Haryana and renowned mycologist Dr. NSK Harsh, in which fungal and mushroom diversity of Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary would be assessed.
• The results of this survey will help in formulating an effective management strategy for the conservation of fungi, flora and fauna of Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and will also form the basis for observing the impact of habitat disturbance and climate change on the ecology of the region.
• The survey will be focussed on Mushrooms. However, surveys will also be conducted for various aspects related to diversity and conservation of butterflies, spiders, amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• The spokesperson said that trees, shrubs and herbs cannot live on the ground without fungi. They are an integral part of the food chain of many insects and other organisms. Fungi and mushrooms are an inseparable part of a healthy ecosystem. Many fungal species (mushrooms) are edible and in addition mushrooms are the only vegetarian source of vitamin D.
• Fifteen scientists (experts in the fields of fungi, insects, soil, climate change, botany, plant physiology etc.) from Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, ten scientists from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (experts in areas such as beetles, butterflies, bees, pollinators, firefly, bumblebees, bees, mammals, birds and reptiles), professors and students of biology from various colleges of Yamunanagar, NGOs, bird lovers and officials of Haryana Forest Department will participate in this one day survey.
• It is noteworthy that Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a well protected and managed area and shelters a rich diversity of different life forms.