New data on the diversity of fungi and fungus-like organisms in the coniferous forests of Shar Planina National Park with two species registered for North Macedonia for the first time

The present study investigates the diversity of macromycetes in the coniferous forest communities of Shar Planina, a newly designated national park in the Republic of North Macedonia. Despite the recognised ecological importance of these forests, research on fungal diversity has remained scarce. This study aims to fill that gap by documenting fungal species newly recorded from coniferous communities during field surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023. The research was carried out across six localities at elevations ranging from 715 m to 1,800 m, encompassing various coniferous forest associations: Abieti-Piceetum scardicum, Piceetum subalpinum scardicum, and black pine (Pinus nigra) plantations. A total of 54 macromycetes were recorded for the first time in these habitats, increasing the known fungal diversity of coniferous communities in Shar Planina from 214 to 268 species. Of these, 259 species belong to the phylum Basidiomycota and 9 to Ascomycota. Additionally, one fungus-like organism belonging to Myxomycota (now Protozoa) was recorded. The highest species richness was observed in the mixed spruce-fir forests of Jelak (Abieti-Piceetum scardicum), where 29 taxa were recorded for the first time. The study also reports two species, Geastrum quadrifidum and Leucopaxillus cerealis, as the first records for the Republic of North Macedonia. Ecologically, 33 of the 55 identified species are saprotrophic, occurring on soil, wood or organic debris, while 22 are ectomycorrhizal, forming symbiotic associations with coniferous and broadleaf tree species. The findings contribute to the expanding knowledge of fungal diversity in Shar Planina’s coniferous forests, emphasising the need for continued research and conservation efforts. Given the ecological role of fungi in forest ecosystems, these results underscore the importance of preserving and monitoring fungal diversity within this newly protected area.