Fungal species are not immune to the threats facing animals and plants and are thus also prone to extinction. Yet, until 2015, fungi were nearly absent on the IUCN Red List. Recent efforts to identify fungal species under threat have significantly increased the number of published fungal assessments. The 597 species of fungi published in the 2022-1 IUCN Red List update (21 July 2022) are the basis for the first global review of the extinction risk of fungi and the threats they face. Nearly 50% of the assessed species are threatened, with 10% NT and 9% DD. For regions with a larger number of assessments (i.e., Europe, North America, and South America), subanalyses are provided. Data for lichenized and nonlichenized fungi are also summarized separately. Habitat loss/degradation followed by climate change, invasive species, and pollution are the primary identified threats. Bias in the data is discussed along with knowledge gaps. Suggested actions to address these gaps are provided along with a discussion of the use of assessments to facilitate on-the-ground conservation efforts. A research agenda for conservation mycology to assist in the assessment process and implementation of effective species/habitat management is presented.

The paper provides data on macromycete and myxomycete species diversity and distribution in Asveja Regional Park located in eastern Lithuania. A total of 326 species of macromycetes and 33 species and intraspecific taxa of myxomycetes were recorded. Five species, Eocronartium muscicola, Mycena megaspora, Neobulgaria pura, Pachyella violaceonigra and Skeletocutis papyracea, were reported for the first time in Lithuania. Twenty species listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania were recorded during this study. Distribution and habitats of rare and endangered fungus and myxomycete species are discussed

Piloderma constitutes a small genus of soft, corticioid, ectomycorrhizal, widely distributed and mostly very common species. Microscopically, its members have traditionally been recognised by their simple-septate hyphae and by their small, thick-walled, colourless to pale yellow spores. We describe five new species from northern Europe based on molecular and morphological data: P. frondosum sp. nov., P. fugax sp. nov., P. lamprolithum sp. nov., P. luminosum sp. nov. and P. mirabile sp. nov. All the new species, except P. luminosum seem to be more or less rare. Piloderma fugax has a strong preference for old-growth forest - a lifestyle seemingly deviating from the rest of the genus. Piloderma mirabile is a sister species to P. sphaerosporum and the first known species with clamped hyphae. Piloderma lamprolithum is closely related to P. exiguum and distinguished by its large encrusting crystals. Piloderma luminosum is very closely related to, and morphologically semicryptic with, P. byssinum. To clarify its distinction from P. byssinum, an epitype is designated for the latter. Piloderma frondosum also belongs to the P. byssinum cluster and is distinguished by its association to broadleaved trees. An updated key to all Piloderma species is provided.

Aim of study: To investigate the impact of allochthonous material from piscivorous birds on forest soil microarthropod communities. Area of study: Six study zones in the Curonian Spit peninsula (western Lithuania) were designated in Pinus sylvestris stands with nesting sites of the great cormorants, taking into account the relief and the duration of the ornithogenic impact. Materials and methods: The total abundance of mites and Collembola and the species richness and diversity of Oribatida and Gamasina mites were assessed and compared. Main results: The abundance of Collembola, Tarsonemidae and Acaridae mites positively correlated with ornithogenic activity, while Oribatida and Gamasina mites decreased significantly. The structure of microarthropod communities was similar in most of the studied zones, except for the active nesting zone and the abandoned part of the colony on the dune slope. The greatest species richness of Oribatida and Gamasina was found in the unaffected forest in the dune hollow, whereas the lowest value was found in the active nesting area and in the abandoned part of the colony on the dune slope. Of the environmental parameters studied, soil pH (r = - 0.725) and tree layer (r = 0.827) were those most significantly related to the changes of microarthropod communities. Research highlights: We found that cormorant colonies have a strong impact on forest ecosystems and soil properties, leading to significant changes in soil microarthropod communities. Birds thus create a natural disturbance experiment that can help reveal the factors that determine the diversity and composition of natural microarthropod communities.

Fungi have been used by humans since prehistoric times. Informal structures or groups for knowledge exchange regarding mushrooms and lichens probably existed for ages. Only recently, mycological activities have been structured in formal organizations. And where until a few centuries ago there were only learned societies and naturalists’ clubs, nowadays also mycological societies and citizen scientists have joined the landscape. However, the history of mycological organizations and activities in Europe is difficult to track. Here, we initiated two surveys to characterize the current landscape of mycological organizations focused on fungal diversity across Europe and to collate citizen science activities mapping fungi. The surveys were shared on social media and sent to mycologists in 49 countries in Europe. Responses of the surveys allowed us to present the history, geographical distribution, and structure of mycological organizations in Europe as well as their types of activities, including the publication of journals and magazines, the organization of meetings and educational initiatives, and citizen science projects. In addition to the surveys, local mycologists presented expert knowledge for a more comprehensive overview. Our data show that the mycological landscape in Europe is diverse and heterogeneous. We discuss ways to overcome economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers towards better integration of mycological communities, activities, and data in Europe. Mycological societies focused on studying fungal diversity can be leveraged towards common goals that include raising public awareness, data integration, uniting academics and non-academics, and developing common standards for research and communication.