GFAwesome - Soil Fungi is a Food Source for Northern Flying Squirrels and Red-backed Voles

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	Some fish can make electricity. They surround themselves with an electrical field. If anything moves in the field, the fish can feel it. Their electrical fields are able to detect food and their enemies.

Soil Fungi is a Food Source for Northern Flying Squirrels and Red-backed Voles

Food supply for small mammals and fungal spore dispersal.
Soil fungi, their mushrooms, and different types of lichens are the primary food source of northern flying squirrels and red-backed voles. These small subalpine (mountain) mammals are very important because they help to deposit fungi spores throughout the forest. These spores help to produce essential soil fungi which grows closely with tree and plant roots and benefits all forest vegetation. This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Wyoming, U.S.A., examined the diet preferences of these small mammals, and investigated the nutritional quality and digestibility of lichen and fungal species eaten by flying squirrels and voles. The study showed that voles and squirrels are able to survive on diets of fungi and lichens by diet mixing. Lichens are eaten because they are high in calcium and are easily digested, but fungi provide protein and many other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. Results from this research will help to support progressive methods for better forest management practices.