Coprophilous Fungi as an Indicator of Grazing Pressure and Population Density in the Uvs Nuur Basin (Mongolia) over the Past Three Millennia

A groundbreaking study reveals that spores of coprophilous fungi, preserved in lake sediments, serve as a reliable indicator for reconstructing human population density and grazing pressure over millennia, independent of climate fluctuations. Researchers analyzed spore concentrations from Lake Bayan Nuur in Mongolia's Uvs Nuur Basin, focusing on two fungal genera: Sporormiella and Sordaria. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between historical population records and spore abundance, suggesting these fungi as robust proxies for tracking livestock-based societies. No link was found between spore levels and climate change, reinforcing their utility as standalone indicators. This approach offers a novel method for paleoecological reconstructions in regions with limited historical data.

Rudaya, N. A., Soenov, V. I.,. (2021). Coprophilous Fungi as an Indicator of Grazing Pressure and Population Density in the Uvs Nuur Basin (Mongolia) over the Past Three Millennia. Problems of Archaeology, Ethnography, Anthropology of Siberia and Neighboring Territories, 27, 615–623. https://doi.org/10.17746/2658-6193.2021.27.0615-0623