Protected Fungal Species
Some Interesting and Protected Fungal Species of the Northern Velebit National Park
Interesting and Protected Fungal Species of the Northern Velebit National Park
Due to the amount of material, the content of the Protected Fungal Species website is divided into three separate and connected websites.
Ascobolus michaudii and Ascobolus albidus
These fungi live as decomposers on the droppings of large herbivore mammals. Within the National Park area, Ascobolus albidus has been found only on bear droppings. Its survival depends on the survival of large mammals.
Golden Cup (Caloscypha fulgens)
In Croatia, golden cup is found only in fir forests and is closely associated with fir. This fungus living on forest ground is included in the Red List of Threatened Fungi of Croatia, under the Vulnerable category, and is strictly protected by law.
Chlorencoelia versiformis
It is a decomposer living on decaying wood remains of deciduous trees. The specimens found in Northern Velebit are the first find of the Chlorencoelia genus in Croatia. It is extremely rare, and is most widespread in the boreal (northern) and sub-arctic zones of North America, Asia and Scandinavia. It is also found as a very rare species in most mountain ranges of the northern and southern hemisphere temperate zone.
Entoloma catalaunicum
Entoloma catalaunicum is a decomposer living on mountain meadows and high mountain vegetation. Its fruiting bodies develop in summer and autumn. In Croatia, it has been found only in two localities within the Northern Velebit National Park. It is included in the Red List of Threatened Fungi of Croatia, under the Endangered category, and is strictly protected by law.
True Tinder Polypore (Fomes fomentarius)
It is a parasite and decomposer living on deciduous trees, typically beech, with perennial fruiting bodies. It is very common in old beech forests, and its large grey hoof-shaped fruiting bodies are easily spotted.
Galerina marginata – Protected Fungal Species
A decomposer of large and small coniferous and deciduous tree debris, this fungus develops its fruiting body between spring and late autumn. It is commonly found on fallen trees in the Park. Galerina marginata belongs to one of the most poisonous species of fungi. It develops a relatively small fruiting body which is not interesting to most mushroom pickers so the risk to be mistaken for edible groups of mushrooms is small.
Gymnopilus picreus – Protected Fungal Species
This fungus is a decomposer living on large coniferous tree debris (fallen trees, logs and stumps). It develops its fruiting body in autumn. Gymnopilus picreus is a rare and endangered species in managed forests due to removal or large tree remains. The forests that are not managed, such as national parks, are a refuge for this and other fungal species that depend on naturally dead wood. It is included in the Red List of Threatened Fungi of Croatia, under the Vulnerable category, and is strictly protected by law.
Discina montana – Protected Fungal Species
This very rare species of fungi lives as decomposer on large coniferous tree remains. Discina montana is most commonly found at high altitudes where it develops its fruiting body during the cold season at the time and in the area of melting snow. The find within the National Park is the third known locality in which this fungus was identified in Croatia. As the survival of this species depends on the forest being protected from any deforestation, it is not surprising that one of localities in which it was found is within the National Park. Discina montana is included in the Red List of Threatened Fungi of Croatia, under the Vulnerable category, and is strictly protected by law.
Go to page 2 of the Protected Fungal Species
Go to page 3 of the Protected Fungal Species
Izvor: NP NORTHERN VELEBIT