Dear fediverse, I would love your input here.

I'm considering a research to understand the distribution and vulnerability level of microfungi by using some kind of proxy, like orchids to understand the mycorrhiza distribution and such, basically for conservation purpuses and IUCN listing.

I won't be too specific in my doubts not to influence you too much, but the data is pretty lacking and I'm not sure about how to proceed from here.

do you know if such a thing has been studied for any organism, not just for fungi?

Do you have any input or idea to throw at me?

What do you reckon a good proxy should have in this context?

I'm at an empasse with the practicality of the idea, so right now I'm wondering if to keep it and work on it or just drop it and move on.