Current distribution data for the red-listed species of aphyllophoroid fungi in Ukraine

Abstract

The article provides current information on distribution patterns of six species of aphyllophoroid fungi (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine: Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Gomphus clavatus, Hericium coralloides, Picipes rhizophilus, Polyporus umbellatus, and Sparassis crispa. Altogether, about 500 occurrences of the fungal fruitbodies in the country are reported. Of them, over 410 recent observations have been added to those published in the Red Data Book of Ukraine in 2009. Majority of that data has been provided over the last few years via mushroom citizen science, i.e. involvement of volunteers in collecting distribution data for macrofungi with large and distinctive fruitbodies. Only specialist-verified observations were included in the datasets reported in the article. The compiled data will serve as a considerably improved basis for future re-assessments of the conservation status of these threatened species for the next edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine.