Scientists Identify New Species of Crystal-Encrusted Truffle, Thanks to Bonobos
Published:24 Sep.2020    Source:Florida Museum of Natural History

Mushroom-munching bonobos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have introduced scientists to a new species of truffle.

 
Commonly used by Congolese communities to bait traps for small mammals, Hysterangium bonobo is also savored by bonobos, an endangered species of great ape. Scientists say the truffle hints at vast reserves of undescribed fungal diversity in the region.