The groups of fungi covered in this section are restricted to the macromycetes. This is not a precise taxonomic definition (it generally includes the basidiomycetes minus rusts, smuts and yeasts with some ascomycetes and myxomycetes), but it is convenient and commonly used (Watling, 1995). Although this grouping generally applies to the mushrooms and toadstools (correctly termed agarics), polypores and their relatives and jelly fungi, a few prominent ascomycetes such as the earth tongues, truffles and their allies are included. This grouping contains three different categories of fungi based on life strategy: biotrophs, which include basidiolichens and mycorrhizal species; saprotrophs, which include litter and wood rotters; and the necrotrophs or parasites. An informed biological approach should always be considered when dealing with members of each category. For example, a wood rotter may be restricted to a single tree trunk, whereas an ectomycorrhizal fungus may be associated with a widely spreading mycelial system that covers several square metres.

The survey and monitoring of fungi presents some difficulties that need to be taken into consideration when designing a monitoring strategy. Surveying for presence or absence of macromycetes depends upon the appearance of the fruiting body (sporome). The number of fruiting bodies is considered to reflect the health and spatial extent of a fungal colony, although there is little scientific evidence to support this. Sporome appearance is influenced by a number of environmental factors including temperature, amount and timing of rainfall, soil pH and nutrient status, and successional patterns of surrounding vegetation.