The fifth order of the natural kingdom is made up of an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi, found in every habitat type worldwide. The Book of Fungi takes 600 of the most remarkable fleshy fungi from around the world and reproduces each at its actual size, in full colour, and accompanied by a scientific explanation of its distribution, habitat, association, abundance, growth form, spore colour and edibility. Location maps give at-a-glance indications of each species known global distribution, and specially commissioned engravings show different fruitbody forms and provide the vital statistics of height and diameter. Theres a place, too, for readers to discover the more bizarre habits of fungi from the predator that hunts its prey with lassos to the one that entices sows by releasing the pheromones of a wild boar. Mushrooms, morels, puffballs, toadstools, truffles, chanterelles fungi from habitats spanning the poles and the tropics, from the highest mountains to our own gardens are all on display in this definitive work.

Wild fungi have beautiful shapes, colours, some with sweet distinctive smell and uniqueness, which play an enormous contribution in many aspects of our life. Little is known about the species diversity and distribution of wild fungi in Malaysia in spite of knowing that there are enormous species to be discovered and documented. This book is to share knowledge and photos of the fungi kingdom found in Sabah. The species were photographed in their natural habitat intended to show the variety of colours, shapes and uniqueness in their respective natural habitats. It will create awareness on the diversity and distribution of wild fungi, research opportunities in the field of mycology in Malaysia and simply to instil love for nature. Hopefully, it will also create networking for collaboration in the research, publication and identification for the wild fungi of Sabah.

Macrofungi have significant importance in human health, particularly in nutrition, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industries. They occupy a variety of ecosystems such as terrestrial (agricultural lands, forests and deserts), freshwater (bogs and marshes) and maritime (mangroves and coastal sand dunes) habitats. Their ecosystem services like nutrition (humans and animals), medicinal pursuits (antibiotics and pharmaceuticals) and bioremediation (degradation of xenobiotics and insect control) potential are dependent on their diversity and ecological conditions. Macrofungal ecology serves as the basis for nutraceutical values, agricultural benefits, plant productivity, environmental protection and industrially valued biocomposites. This book focuses on various aspects of macrofungal distribution in diverse habitats, participation in organic matter decomposition, ectomycorrhizal associations and participation in biogeochemical cycles. This book reviews the current developments in macrofungal ecology in different habitats and their benefits. Due to the topics dealt with on macrofungal diversity, distribution, dynamics, lifestyles, ecosystem or substrate preferences and ecosystem services, this book is valuable to mycologists, botanists, zoologists, ecologists, foresters, geneticists, agronomists and field biologists.

This book contains research findings from three major study areas, natural sciences, social sciences, and public policy and management. The focus area extends over geographical zones ranging from mountainous area of Mount Gagau in the Taman Negara National Park, down to the coastal islands of Bidong, Redang and Perhentian on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Chapters on natural sciences examine the physicochemical characteristics of water, physiological and ecological constraints to geological and climatological aspects. The social science and management chapters observe the rich ethno-heritage of local communities and how they interact and develop as a culture, and public policy for sustainable management. Viewpoints from political science, history, sociology, economics, anthropology and management science are also taken into account. This book is intended for researchers and graduate students to create an understanding of the rich heritage, while policy makers plan for future generations. Readers will benefit from this book by studying the gaps in the current knowledge and move to develop further research to understand the unexplored forest canopies and the dynamics of the changing Greater Kenyir landscapes.

Comprising of 18 sub-ethnic groups the indigenous communities, or better known as the Orang Asli, located in the Peninsular Malaysia, is a unique community in terms of their culture, lifestyle, and heritage. The life of the Orang Asli, popularly referred to as the Forest People, is highly intertwined with forest resources which makes the community a great source of information and traditional knowledge, particularly in the use of medicinal plants. This book covers three important issues to explain and gain insights into the sustainability of the Orang Asli: Social and demographics Sustainability of resource use Governance, administration and management The book presents research to help bridge the gaps and provides a baseline reference for further research regarding the sustainability of the Orang Asli. This book is intended for researchers and graduate students to help gain an understanding of the Orang Asli. By highlighting the plight of Orang Asli the authors hope that this community will be recognised and become a part of society. More research is required to help the 178,197 Orang Asli achieve the sustainable development goals for their community in the Peninsular Malaysia.