Secondary consumption of mycorrhizal fungi by two endangered marsupial carnivores: the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships that are vital to nutrient and water acquisition by plants, with many mycorrhizal fungi requiring animal-mediated dispersal. Primary mycophagists often have relatively small home ranges, meaning fungal dispersal distances can be relatively short. However, fungal spores can be incidentally consumed and dispersed when a predator or scavenger eats mycophagous prey. These secondary consumers often move greater distances than their prey, which enables the long-distance dispersal (LDD) of fungal spores. In this study, we aimed to determine whether Australia's two largest extant marsupial carnivores, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), are acting as secondary dispersers of mycorrhizal fungi through the consumption of mycophagous prey. Quoll trapping and scat collection was undertaken at three sites in eastern New South Wales, whilst Tasmanian devil scats were collected opportunistically at three sites in Tasmania. Scats from these predators were analysed for the presence of fungal spores and prey animals. Quolls consumed 20 mammal species, including 14 that were identified as mycophagous. Across all three sites, 72.3% of quoll scats contained fungi, with a total of 77 fungal taxa identified. Quoll scats containing mycophagous mammals contained significantly more fungal taxa than those without mycophagous mammals present. Tasmanian devil scats contained six fungal taxa, with 33% of scats containing fungi, but a small sample size precluded further analysis. Our study indicates that spotted-tailed quolls and Tasmanian devils are both likely to be providing a previously unreported ecosystem service through the LDD of mycorrhizal fungi.