Ancient Moa Droppings Reveal Fungal Feast in New Zealand’s Past

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have delved into the ancient diet of the upland moa (Megalapteryx didinus) by analyzing DNA remnants in coprolites, or fossilized droppings, found in New Zealand's South Island caves. These "natural refrigerators" have preserved the coprolites well, granting scientists a unique peek into the past. The team identified 13 different types of fungi within the droppings, including a striking truffle-like fungus adorned with bright purple lumps. This discovery sheds light on the complex ecological roles these extinct birds played in their environment.

The study suggests that the vividly colored fungi may have evolved to resemble berries, enticing moas to consume them and subsequently disperse their spores. This mimicry likely facilitated the spread of fungi across the landscape, as the moa's gut functioned as a "sample collector," enabling spores to reach new areas. The fungi found are ectomycorrhizal (ECM), forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which underscores the moa's crucial role in maintaining the resilience of New Zealand's forests.

Without the moa's dispersal abilities, New Zealand's ecosystems may have been more vulnerable to changes following the birds' extinction in the 1300s. The research provides valuable insights into the evolution of fungal ecosystems in environments with low mammal populations, highlighting how these fungi might have relied on bird-mediated dispersal rather than air currents.

The findings also reveal that some of the fungi consumed by moas still thrive in New Zealand today. This continuity emphasizes the enduring impact of ancient ecological interactions on modern ecosystems. Moreover, the coprolites offer a rare window into prehistoric times, allowing scientists to study the ancient flora and fauna that once thrived in New Zealand.

Interestingly, similarities were noted between the fungi found in moa coprolites and those in Patagonian bird droppings, suggesting potential parallels in ecological roles across distant regions. The study has broader implications for understanding how human activity, such as the arrival of humans in New Zealand, has impacted local ecosystems. As moas went extinct, their absence may have significantly altered fungal dispersion patterns and forest dynamics.