Background

The integration between biological information and data on citizen perception of natural resources is key for socioculturally-sensitive initiatives of biological conservation.

Objectives

To document perceptional differences on fungal resources in the general population of Costa Rica along its national territory.

Methods

A total of 1 361 surveys were carried out in a design with a 90 % of confidence. These were conducted in 11 cities of Costa Rica. Response patterns on fungal resources were analyzed according with sociodemographic and regional criteria.

Results and conclusions

An association between higher knowledge on fungi was found in populations with higher educational level. This association influenced the public interpretation of ecological functionality of fungi. General knowledge on fungi decreased in regions farther away from the Metropolitan Areas and coastal cities along the pacific coast of Costa Rica showed the lowest levels of fungal knowledge and appreciation.

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