Fungal‐Small Mammal Interrelationships with Emphasis on Oregon Coniferous Forests

Most higher plants have evolved with an obligatory symbiotic relationship with my corrhizal fungi. Epigeous mycorrhiza formers have their spores dispersed by air currents, but hypogeous mycorrhizal fungi are dependent upon small mammals as primary vectors of spore dissemination. Mammalian mycophagists defecate within the coniferous forest ecosystem, spreading the viable spores necessary for survival and health of the conifers. As one unravels and begins to understand the interrelationships between small—mammal mycophagists and mycorrhizal fungi, it becomes apparent that the various roles of small mammals in the coniferous forest ecosystem need to be reeevalutaed. One can no longer accept such simplistic solutions to timber management as poisoning forests rodents to "enhance" tree survival. One must consider the direct as well as the indirect costs and benefits of timber management decisions if one is to maintain balanced, healthy coniferous forests.