The role of macrofungi in environmental conservation

Abstract

The motives for the conservation of fungi are briefly outlined. The data and methods needed for successful use of fungi in environmental conservation are mentioned. A survey is given of the main habitats of threatened fungi in Western and Central Europe, including data on the significance of their mycoflora, the causes of decrease and possible measures to improve the situation. The value of macrofungi as bio-indicators for environmental quality is discussed and demonstrated with three examples: the indicator value of wood-inhabiting fungi for undisturbed forest sites; of ectomycorrhizal fungi for air pollution stress in forests and of saprotrophic fungi for the duration of undisturbed grassland use. Lists of indicator species with different indicator values for air pollution stress and grassland use are provided.