Environment-driven control of fungi in subterranean ecosystems: the case of La Garma Cave (northern Spain)

Winter ventilation plays a critical role in increasing Basidiomycota spores in the air of La Garma Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Paleolithic art. The study found that higher concentrations of these fungal spores were detected in the most ventilated areas during winter, while Ascomycota spores dominated when ventilation was absent. Notably, many Ascomycota species were linked to insects and bats inhabiting or visiting the cave. Researchers combined aerobiological sampling with microclimate monitoring to assess how external climatic conditions influence airborne fungi, offering valuable insights for the conservation of cultural heritage in cave environments.

Sanchez-Moral, S., Jurado, V., Fernandez-Cortes, A., Cuezva, S., Martin-Pozas, T., Gonzalez-Pimentel, J. L., Ontañon, R., & Saiz-Jimenez, C. (2021). Environment-driven control of fungi in subterranean ecosystems: the case of La Garma Cave (northern Spain). International Microbiology, 24(4), 573–591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-021-00193-x