Over one hundred species from the European red list of endangered species inhabit Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia is the world's greatest exporter of Ceps, a particularly valued edible species, imported largely by Western Europe.
Mushroom picking is the main source of income for many people.
F ungi are organisms best fitted to quickly absorb harmful substances from their environment in large quantities. So far it is unclear what are the consequences of catastrophically destruction of Yugoslav chemical industry, but it is beyond doubt that the highly toxic substances released will permeate fungus organisms. Furthermore, impoverished and devastated Yugoslav economy will be forced to turn to basic nature's capital, which will result in mass clearcutting of forests providing habitat for most fungi, the habitats witch will thus be destroyed.