International Day for Biodiversity: New species of Fungi discovered in Oman

International Day for Biodiversity: New species of Fungi discovered in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, represented by its Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center(Mawarid), announced today in a press conference the discovery of living organisms known for the first time in the world and others recorded for the first time in Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. This announcement coincides with the United Nations International Day for Biodiversity, which falls on May 22 of each year.

The discoveries were announced by Her Excellency Professor Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqia, the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and was attended by the research team that discovered the living organisms, a group of officials in the sectors of scientific research, investment and industry, and representatives of the local community, in addition to a group of school and university students. The event represented a celebration of the rich and unique biodiversity that characterizes the Sultanate of Oman.

Edible fungi and others with medicinal qualities

The discovery includes three types of mushroom known for the first time in the world, and ten other mushrooms recorded for the first time in Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. The fungi were collected from different areas of the Dhofar Governorate in the khareef season