Low fungal knowledge and limited identification skills: study reveals a species literacy gap among laypeople from Germany

Abstract

Abstract Biodiversity is one of nature’s greatest assets and is essential for planetary health and human well-being. However, global biodiversity continues to decline at an alarming rate, partly due to limited public engagement in conservation efforts. Previous research has revealed low levels of species knowledge among the public, particularly regarding native plants and animals. However, studies on species literacy with a focus on fungi, one of the most species-rich kingdoms, remain scarce. This study assessed fungal species literacy among a representative sample of laypeople from Germany ( n  = 747) through an identification and knowledge test and examined potential predictors. Identification skills were associated with collecting behavior, rural residence, nature connectedness, and age. On average, participants identified only 16.7% of native fungal species, and more than a quarter (26%) could not identify any. Edibility was correctly assessed in 36.0% of the cases, and the majority believed that fungi are plants. These findings reveal a substantial gap in fungal species literacy, likely perpetuating the continued neglect of fungi in research, conservation and education, which in turn can have negative effects on global conservation goals. To address this gap, the results could provide insights for strengthening fungal representation in school curricula and public education.