Professional paper

Strictly protected and rare mushroom species in the Prašnik rainforest reserve

Nataša Romanjek Fajdetić ; Sveučilište u Slavonskom Brodu, Biotehnički odjel, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska *
Karlo Kruljac ; Sveučilište u Slavonskom Brodu, Biotehnički odjel, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska
Dinko Zima ; Sveučilište u Slavonskom Brodu, Biotehnički odjel, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska
Ljiljana Božić Ostojić ; Sveučilište u Slavonskom Brodu, Biotehnički odjel, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska
Branimir Vujčić ; Javna ustanova Natura Slavonica, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska
Matija Josipović ; Centar za istraživanje gljiva „Russula“, Novska, Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Prašnik Virgin Forest is the only preserved special reserve of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forest vegetation in Croatia and represents an exceptionally important refuge for the conservation of the mycological diversity of continental lowland forests. Fungi play a crucial role in the functioning of forest ecosystems as decomposers of organic matter, mycorrhizal symbionts, and participants in biogeochemical cycles. The aim of this research was to establish the fungal species currently inhabiting Prašnik, thereby expanding existing knowledge about its mycoflora. The research was conducted by systematically surveying designated plots during the growing seasons of 2022–2024. All found fruiting bodies were recorded, along with their GPS coordinates, substrate, and microhabitat conditions, and determination was performed using macroscopic methods and relevant identification keys. A total of 174 species of fungi were recorded, belonging to 61 orders and 71 families. The most represented were species from the phyla Basidiomycota (91%) and Ascomycota (9%). A particularly valuable finding is the discovery of four strictly protected species (Buglossoporus quercinus, Pleurotus calyptratus, Verpa bohemica, Verpa conica) and seven rare taxa proposed for the Croatian Red List of Fungi. Compared to the previous research from 1973, the number of known fungal species for the Prašnik area has almost tripled, which confirms the exceptional preservation of the ecosystem and its importance as a habitat for sensitive and rare fungi. The obtained results emphasize the necessity of long-term monitoring and habitat protection, especially in the context of increasingly pronounced climate change and anthropogenic pressures. The findings of this research further confirm the key role of the Prašnik reserve as a unique mycological habitat in Croatia.

Keywords

virgin forest; fungal species; special reserve

Hrčak ID:

350038

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/350038

Publication date:

15.7.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 0 *