Kanching Waterfall Eco-Park Fungi Foray – Let’s Hunt for Bolete Mushrooms

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Highlights

The Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Mycology Special Interest Group (MNSSB Mycology Group) has organized a public fungi foray on 23rd August 2025, at Kanching Waterfall Eco-Park, Selangor. The event aims to highlight the crucial role fungi play in biodiversity, with a special focus on bolete mushrooms. This is also part of the group conservation effort on offering in-depth education, showcase innovative research, and encourage community involvement, making mycology accessible to everyone.

The highlight of the event was the fascinating showcase of various mushrooms, not just the targeted Boletaceae (boletes), but also other families like Russulaceae, Hydnaceae (including Cantharellus sp.), Sclerodermataceae (earthballs), Ophiocordycipitaceae (zombie-ant fungi), Crepitotaceae (oysterlings) and even some unidentified mushrooms. Loon Yit Hong, the Mycology Lead Coordinator of MNSSB, shared some essential tips for identifying mushrooms (especially boletes), and demonstrated how to use the iNaturalist platform to document findings. Dr.Patahayah Mansor, a mycologist from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), provided an in-depth explanation of saprotrophs and ectomycorrhizal fungi, along with their natural habitats. Saprotrophs are commonly found on dead tree logs, branches, and leaf litter, while ectomycorrhizal fungi typically grow in soil and form symbiotic relationships with their tree hosts.

The participants embarked on a hunt for mushrooms on the forest floor, guided by the facilitators. They also learn how to take high-quality photos with their cell phones, capturing the intricate details of the mushrooms directly in the field. The highlight of the experience is the thrill of discovering unknown species, which delighted both the participants and the facilitators alike.


Event starts with a group photo, safety briefing and fungi introduction to participants.
(Photos by Alexia Ng and Wong Wei Fong)

  
Loon Yit Hong (left), Lead Coordinator of the MNSSB Mycology SIG, and Dr.Patahayah Mansor (right), a mycologist from FRIM, introducing participants to basics of fungi.
(Photo by Wong Wei Fong)



The group searches for mushrooms along the forest park’s walking trails.
(Photos by Wong Wei Fong)


Young participants practices photography techniques under the guidance of facilitators.
(Photos by Wong Wei Fong)
Participants searching for mushrooms on the forest floor of the park.
(Photo by Chan Chee Keong)


A facilitator demonstrated the photography techniques using a Lensebong on a small mushroom. 
(Photo by Wong Wei Fong)


Methods of identifying boletes – measuring size and observing colour changes.
(Photos by Loon Yit Hong)


Gyroporus sp. (Boletaceae - Boletes)
(Photo by Loon Yit Hong)



Russula sp. (Russulaceae - Brittlegills) – florescent blue and green under UV light.
(Photos by Loon Yit Hong)


Russula spp. (Russulaceae - Brittlegills)  
(Photos by Khor Hong Beng)


Scleroderma sinnamariense (Sclerodermataceae - Earthballs)
(Photo by Loon Yit Hong)

Crepidotus sp. (Crepidotaceae - Oysterlings)
(Photo by Jacqueline Low)


Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (Ophiocordycipitaceae – Zombie Ant Fungi)
(Photo by Jacqueline Low)


Entomophthorales – Insect Destroyers 
(Photos by Khor Hong Beng)


Cantharellus sp. (Hydnaceae - Chanterelles) 
(Photo by Loon Yit Hong)



Pulveroboletus sp. (Boletaceae - Boletes) 
(Photos by Loon Yit Hong)



Unknown mushroom – florescent green under UV light.
(Photos by Loon Yit Hong)

Conclusions

The event was a great success, with all participants gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of fungi and their vital roles in biodiversity, particularly the boletes and other types of fungi found in Kanching Waterfall Eco-Park. This achievement lays a solid foundation for the long-term goals of the Mycology SIG, which seeks to provide comprehensive education, promote innovative research, and inspire community involvement to make mycology accessible to everyone.

Acknowledgement

Loon Yit Hong (MNSSB Mycology Lead Coordinator)
Alexia Ng (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Jacqueline Low (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Chan Chee Keong (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Lenny Wong (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
1Luca Pilia (Mycologist & MNSSB Committee Member)
2Joseph Pallante (Amateur Mycologist & MNSSB Mycology Co-Founder)
Dr.Patahayah Mansor (FRIM Mycologist)
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (MNSSB)
Event volunteer and participants: Kho Wui Kiong, Khor Hong Beng, Wong Wei Fong, Mohd Syahir bin Hasniran, Ho Choon Yan, Ilya Firzah Mohd Azahar, Yeong Lyn Yeow, Ong Bee Yee, Azri bin Hasbullah, David Hogan Jr, Ammar Rahimin and their family members participated to the event.

Hi, I'm Loon, a fungi enthusiast who loves exploring, discovering, and hunting mushrooms. Reading and studying about fungi keeps my curiosity alive about the wonders of nature.

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