Wild plants, fungi and wildlife: why this atlas offers no identification

Reliably identifying a plant or fungus requires knowledge that cannot be gained from a short description or a photo. You need to know the species of your own region, know what they look like at different stages of growth, and be able to rule out the poisonous look-alikes with certainty. Even small features that cannot be seen in a picture can be decisive.

A description in a book, an app or on a website cannot replace this knowledge – on the contrary, it can create a false sense of security. Because confusion can lead to severe poisoning with organ damage or death, this atlas deliberately names no species, no identification features and no edibility tests.

Myth: a “universal edibility test” – touching the skin, holding it to the lip, chewing a small piece and waiting – shows whether something is safe. Fact: such tests do not detect many dangerous toxins. With some of the most dangerous poisons, symptoms appear only many hours after eating, when the toxins have already been absorbed.

Myth: what animals eat is also edible for people. Fact: animals tolerate some substances that are poisonous to humans. A bird eating a berry or nibble marks on a mushroom tell you nothing about whether it is safe for you.

Myth: wild food is the solution when food runs out. Fact: wild plants usually provide little energy relative to the effort of finding and preparing them. Strength spent on searching for food in an emergency is strength missing for warmth, shelter and getting help.

In most emergencies there is a clear order: safety first, then warmth and shelter, then water, then getting help. A healthy person can last much longer without food than without water or protection from cold. Hunger feels bad, but it is rarely the first danger.

The best protection against hunger is preparation: a small stock at home, a few energy-dense foods in the backpack that can be eaten without cooking, and trip planning that realistically assesses weather and time. Anyone who gets into trouble outdoors saves strength, stays warm and makes sure they can be found.

Do not eat wild plants, fungi or berries that have not been reliably identified by a knowledgeable person – not even in small amounts and not even cooked. Cooking does not make many poisons harmless. Teach children too not to put anything from nature in their mouths without asking first.

If poisoning is suspected, immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or, where available, a poison control centre. Keep any remains of the plant or mushroom so that experts can tell what was eaten. Do not wait to see whether symptoms appear.

Anyone who wants to get to know wild plants or fungi learns best in the field, with real specimens, from qualified experts – in courses, at mushroom advisory services or in societies. Good courses start slowly, stress the risks of confusion and encourage you always to leave things when in doubt.

Foraging, hunting, fishing and trapping are regulated by law in most regions: protected areas, protected species, licences, closed seasons and quantity limits. Check local rules before you take anything. Traps, snares, hunting and fishing techniques are not covered in this atlas.