Protection of Fungi of the Red Book of Ukraine in the Ukrainian Carpathians

Abstract

Fungi play an important role in nature and human life having valuable nutritional and medicinal properties, although their value is not limited. Various fungi species contribute to normal development of trees and shrubs as they are involved in the process of circulation of substances and enhancing soil fertility. As continuous tree felling radically alters and destroys fungi habitat, protection and preservation of rare species of biodiversity of the Ukrainian Carpathians, including fungi, and the development and implementation of measures for their reproduction are of cardinal importance. Consequently, our research aims at investigating the fungi role and their protection and conservation methods in forest ecosystems. We present the results of the study of micobiota in Uholsko environmental research department of the Carpathians Biosphere Reserve, the National Nature Park "Enchanted Land" and Gorgany Reserve. As a result of mycological examination in Uholsko virgin beech forests of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, we have distinguished 53 species of tree destroying fungi-xylotrophes. We also identified 12 fungi species in the National Nature Park "Enchanted Land", and 7 species in Gorgany Reserve. Then, we have analysed fungi species and diversity of the Ukrainian Carpathians included in the Red Book of Ukraine. The authors have noted the macromycetes role for nature and human lives as well. Finally, some measures concerning fungi protection and preservation are proposed in the research. To conclude we should confirm that the basic step in ensuring the protection and preservation of rare species of fungi is providing an inventory of these species and their communities. Thus we should identify disappearing species and make their list, provide clear boundaries and set the proper regime of each area protection necessary for the preservation of certain species; distinguish the category of species and determine their distribution area. Organizing the protection of rare species habitats and searching new populations of macromycetes listed in the Red Book of Ukraine on protected areas of the Ukrainian Carpathians are advisable to arrange in the nearest future. We also suggest developing specific programs for the protection and creation of natural complexes to help save species that play an important role in forest biocenoses.

Keywords

• macromycetes
• biodiversity
• dead wood
• virgin beech forests
• the red book of ukraine