Biological characteristics, habitat associations, and distribution of macrofungi in Sweden

• We conducted a statistical analysis of taxonomic and functional groups, of some ecological characteristics (edaphic factors, macro- and micro-habitats) and of the distribution of macrofungi in Sweden, based on an ecological data catalog of 3196 species. We placed particular emphasis on a comparison of threatened and non-threatened taxa. Differences in the proportions of threatened macrofungi were found among both taxonomic and functional groups, partly explained by a lack of information on some of the groups. A comparatively high proportion of threatened macrofungi is found on dry and base-rich soils. High relative numbers of threatened taxa occur in semi-natural open habitats such as calcareous grasslands and in southern deciduous hardwood forests on high-pH soils. Another habitat type of major importance for red-listed species is the boreal spruce forest. A high proportion of the wood-inhabiting species are red-listed; this is probably a result of the dramatic decrease in decaying wood in Swedish forests during this century. Both the absolute number of species and the absolute and relative numbers of threatened species decrease from south to north. Many functional and habitat characteristics differed between regions. Our overall results were largely consistent with those found for forest plants and animals. Some differences, however, were found when comparing macrofungal characteristics and levels of threat to macrofungi between Sweden and other European countries. Among the main threats to macrofungi in Sweden are modern forestry, the decrease of semi-natural open habitats as a result of changed land management practices, and, in southern Sweden, probably also air pollution.

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