Trainee Lawyer Identifies New Fungi Species From Dung
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- Alfred Drummond-Herdman collects animal faeces sent to him through the post and grows coprophilous fungi in terrariums in his bedroom, producing timelapse videos viewed by millions.
- Alfred Drummond-Herdman has formally identified two new species of fungi from dung samples and is collaborating with experts and enthusiasts online to classify more British specimens.
- Alfred Drummond-Herdman built a social media audience of over 60,000 followers on Instagram, where his videos of slime moulds and mushrooms emerging from droppings receive millions of views.
- Kew estimates at least 2 million fungi species remain undiscovered globally, a figure that underscores the scientific relevance of amateur efforts like Drummond-Herdman’s.
- Alfred Drummond-Herdman uses timelapse photography taken every 30 seconds to reveal the full lifecycle of fungi such as inkcaps and ascobolus, which typically go unseen in the wild.
Why it matters: Over 2 million fungal species may remain undocumented worldwide, and Drummond-Herdman’s work shows how low-cost, citizen-led taxonomy can expand biodiversity records while driving public engagement. His reach—60,000 followers and viral content—proves niche science can gain mass attention when framed accessibly, shifting perception of conservation priorities.
