Ethnomycology as a Biocultural Preservation Strategy for Wild Mushrooms in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, México

Miriam Toxqui-Munguía, Aline Romero-Natale, Teresa Soledad Cid-Pérez, Manuel Huerta-Lara, María del Carmen Guadalupe Avelino-Flores, Marco Antonio Marín-Castro, Raúl Avila-Sosa and Ricardo Munguía-Pérez ()
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Miriam Toxqui-Munguía: Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
Aline Romero-Natale: Colegio de Quimica, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca 42000, Mexico
Teresa Soledad Cid-Pérez: Departmento de Bioquímica-Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
Manuel Huerta-Lara: Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
María del Carmen Guadalupe Avelino-Flores: Colegio de Alimentos, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
Marco Antonio Marín-Castro: Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Agrícolas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
Raúl Avila-Sosa: Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
Ricardo Munguía-Pérez: Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica , Boletus aff. edulis , and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Keywords: bioculturality; community conservation; ethnomycology; fungal biodiversity; mycogastronomy; mycology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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