Fungi in tropical ecosystems are poorly documented compared to many temperate regions of the world. Recently, I have initiated a study of the biodiversity of the macrofungi of Guyana, South America. This study is in conjunction with, and financially sup ported by, the Smithsonian Institution's Biological Diversity of the Giuanas Program .

Currently the study is focused on three areas in Guyana. 1) Ceba Biological Station which is approximately 100 km south of Georgtown. It is characterized as a pine scrub savana which possesses many introduced vascular plants. 2) The majority of collect ing has occurred in the Iwokrama Rainforest. It is a 360,000 hectare of virgin lowland tropical rainforest preserve located in central Guyana. 3) The final locality is Kaieteur Falls National Park. It is a stunning area located in the Pakaraima Mountai ns of western Guyana. The falls is a 750 ft single-drop falls and is reported to be the tallest single-drop fall in the world.

The first expedition to Guyana was in July of 1996. The second expedition is scheduled for May-June of 1997. Stay tuned for more.

Click here for images of fungi and landscapes of Guyana.