The first checklist of Basidiomycetes Macrofungi Diversity in Constantine Forests, Algeria

Macrofungi play diverse roles in ecosystems, serving as nutritional sources and finding applications in biotechnology, medicine, and ecology. Most of these macrofungi belong to the basidiomycete group, characterized by their production of large fruiting bodies that are visible to the naked eye. These fungi can be categorized based on their ecological relationships as saprophytes, parasites, and symbiotic species. The forests of Algeria are known for their rich diversity of macrofungi; however, the diversity of macrofungi in the Constantine region remains poorly understood. This study aims to identify macrofungal diversity in two forests in Constantine, Algeria.

Macrofungi typically begin to appear following the first fall rain. Surveys were conducted in the Djebel el Ouahch and Chettaba forests over two years (2017-2018). Fungal fruiting bodies were systematically collected and photographed for identification purposes, focusing on macroscopic characteristics such as shape, color, cap and stipe features, and spore morphology. A total of 90 species of macrofungi (Basidiomycota) were identified during the study period. The most represented families included Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Auriculariaceae, Boletaceae, Bolbitiaceae, Coprinaceae, Gasteromycetaceae, Gloeophyllaceae, Hydnangiaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Phallaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Polyporaceae, Steccherinaceae, Stereaceae, Russulaceae, Tapinellaceae, Tricholomataceae, and Tubariaceae.

This study provides foundational data on the diversity of macrofungi in Constantine forests, offering a basis for further research and educational purposes.