Indication of coprophilous fungal spores for monitoring grazing intensity in the Horqin Sandy Land, Northern China

Coprophilous fungal spores are an emerging and potential proxies for indicating the long-term pastoral history. However, the indication of coprophilous fungal spores for dung and grazing intensity remains uncertain. In this study, in Horqin Sandy Land, 27 livestock dung samples and 33 surface soil samples were collected, and the indication of coprophilous fungal spores was discussed for the first time. The results showed that a total of 38 fungal spore types were recognized in the modern samples from the Horqin Sandy Land, including seven coprophilous fungal spore types. The coprophilous fungi assemblages vary in different dung types and may enable the diagnosis of specific livestock taxa. Coprophilous fungal spores, especially Sporormiella and Podospora are the most reliable dung indicators and can indicate the presence of herbivores. Moreover, some fungal spores, including Helminthosporium, Apiosordaria, HdV-104, and Glomus A were also potential indicators of grazing activities in the Horqin Sandy Land. On this basis, the concentration of coprophilous fungal spores may have the potential to be a quantitative indicator of grazing intensity. This study clarifies the indication of coprophilous fungal spores on dung and grazing intensity in the Horqin Sandy Land and provides a theoretical reference for further research on pastoral history in the region.