Nizwa – In a significant scientific achievement, researchers from the University of Nizwa have participated in the discovery of a new fungal family comprising two genera and seven species, uniquely adapted to coexist within ant nests. The groundbreaking research has been published in ‘Studies in Mycology’, one of the world’s leading journals dedicated to fungal science.

The discovery was made possible through international collaboration involving experts from Brazil, China, the Netherlands, and Austria, and was led by Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Hatmi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa and Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the Centre for Natural and Medical Sciences Research.

Dr Al Hatmi hailed the finding as a milestone in fungal research. “This discovery represents a qualitative leap, offering new insight into the complex and ancient symbiotic relationships between fungi and ants, believed to span millions of years,” he said.

He emphasised the broader ecological importance of the discovery, noting that it opens new avenues for exploring the diversity of microorganisms and their roles in maintaining ecological balance.

“This new fungal family enhances our understanding of microbial biodiversity and strengthens future research prospects into insect-microorganism interactions,” he added.

The study, which introduced the new family into the ‘Chaetothyriales phylum’—known for species symbiotic with ants and other fungi—was based on detailed microscopic, physiological, and genetic analyses of fungi isolated from ant nests collected from various plants.

The University of Nizwa has expressed pride in its role in this international achievement, highlighting its ongoing commitment to fostering high-quality research and strengthening global scientific partnerships.

This discovery further cements Oman’s growing reputation in the field of biodiversity and microenvironmental studies.