The UC stated these species represent isolated lineages with unique evolutionary histories. Their extinction would not just reduce biodiversity, but erase entire branches of Earth's evolutionary history.

The research, developed by the Department of Life Sciences of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the UC in collaboration with the Committee for the Conservation of Fungi of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, identified species that are "evolutionarily distinct and globally threatened".

Ninety-four species of fungi belonging to monotypic genera—groups that include only one known species—were analysed, and the results reveal "a worrying scenario: nine species are already threatened or close to being threatened, while the majority, 56, lack sufficient information to assess their conservation status."

Only 28 species were classified as low risk. This lack of information alone signals major concern for researchers.

Susana Cunha, study coordinator and PhD student at UC and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said, "This lack of data shows serious gaps in our knowledge about these organisms."

Many species are known only from their original descriptions, made over a decade ago, with no updates since. The planet may be losing unique species unnoticed.

The researcher considered that, despite their fundamental role in life on Earth, particularly in the decomposition of organic matter and the regulation of nutrient cycles, fungi remain largely absent from global conservation priorities.

"Unlike animals and plants, there is still no list identifying the most evolutionarily distinct and threatened fungal species, a gap that researchers consider urgent to fill."

According to the study, the lack of data results from years of underinvestment in mycological research and that "without basic information on distribution, ecology, and diversity, it becomes difficult to integrate fungi into conservation policies and ensure their effective protection."

To reverse this trend, the authors advocate increased investment in basic research, including field inventories, and the use of innovative tools such as environmental DNA to detect difficult-to-detect species.

The researchers also recommend that unique species be subjected to molecular analyses to confirm their isolated position in the tree of life and, whenever their unique character is confirmed, "become a priority for conservation," because, without "concerted action, the world risks losing an irreplaceable part of its natural heritage, often before even knowing it."