Fungal diversity of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park – indicator species of nature value and conservation

A decade-long study of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe,' revealed a rich fungal diversity with 613 macromycete species recorded. Notably, 31 species are threatened in Germany, while 27 meet IUCN criteria for conservation interest, including 10 with German-scale nature value and five with European significance. The park's ecosystem, characterized by fewer tree species on poor soils compared to other UNESCO sites, is poised to develop toward near-naturalness due to its old-growth stands and relict primeval forest fragments. This study underscores the park's ecological importance as an indicator for biodiversity conservation.

Langer, E., Langer, G., Striegel, M., Riebesehl, J., & Ordynets, A. (2014). Fungal diversity of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park – indicator species of nature value and conservation. Nova Hedwigia, 99(1-2), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2014/0201