| dc.description.abstract | Climate change is driving ecosystem shifts worldwide, particularly impacting glaciers and the unique ecosystems they support. This paper investigates the often-overlooked role of fungi in glacial environments and their provision of ecosystem services. Despite their cryptic nature, fungi play critical roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and symbiotic relationships in these extreme environments. Through a systematic literature review that spans from 1950 to 2024, this study categorizes and evaluates 14 ecosystem services provided by psychrophilic fungi in glacial environments. These services encompass provisioning (e.g., food supply, medicinal resources), regulating (e.g., carbon storage and sequestration, mycoremediation), cultural (e.g., spiritual significance, recreational activities), and supporting (e.g., soil formation, nutrient cycling) functions. The analysis identifies climate change as a primary driver of change affecting fungal populations and their associated services, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced research, conservation, and management strategies. Despite their ecological significance, fungi currently lack institutional recognition and protection in global conservation frameworks, highlighting a critical gap in conservation efforts. This paper underscores the importance of understanding and conserving cryospheric fungi for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience in glacial environments. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaborations and targeted research initiatives are essential for addressing knowledge gaps and promoting the conservation of fungi in these vital habitats. | |
