Ganbaatar Burenbaatar

Based on morphological and molecular evidence, the new species Gymnopilus poaceophilus (Hymenogastraceae) is described from Mongolia. It inhabits grasslands and is characterized by a golden yellow to brownish orange pileus that has a cracked surface and lacks scales. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS and LSU sequences confirm that G. poaceophilus forms a distinct lineage, sister to a clade containing G. aeruginosus, G. subpurpuratus, G. luteofolius, G. suberis, and G. hispidus. Despite its close phylogenetic relationship with these species, G. poaceophilus can be clearly distinguished from them by a combination of its unique ecological and morphological features. A comprehensive description and illustrations are provided for the new species.

During an investigation of fungal species in Mongolia, some specimens with ascocarps growing on the humus layer accompanied by mosses were collected. Based on the ITS, LUS, RPB2 and TEF-1α fragments combined with morphological and molecular systematic studies, the fungus was identified as a new species of Cudonia, which is described and illustrated.

Metacampanella is an important genus in the Marasmiaceae family. We collected specimens during our investigations in China and Mongolia. Through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we identified two new species of this genus: Metacampanella subtricolor and Metacampanella coprophila. In addition, we identified Metacampanella tricolor as a novel combination. Molecular systematic studies support these results. Illustrated descriptions, taxonomic discussions, and keys to the genus are provided.

A new species Pholiotina sphagnicola sp. nov., was discovered in Mongolia. Its identification was based on phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), nuclear ribosomal DNA 28S subunit (nrLSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), as well as the morphological analyses. The species is characterized by a pileus ranging from hemispherical to convex, with indistinct striae on the margin. The ring is located above the stipe, and the upper sides crenulate-striate. Basidia, which resemble rabbit ears, are 2(1)-spored and have sterigmata ranging from 3 to 13 μm in length. Cheilocystidia are lageniform with a long neck and lanceolate shape; some may exhibit slight swelling at the apex.

In this study, we updated and revised the checklist of macrofungi, along with the distribution of phytogeographical regions and the regional conservation status in Mongolia. The checklist comprises 677 macrofungal species belonging to 284 genera and 119 families in the country. Based on previous studies, 18 species are currently invasive to Mongolia. In this checklist, only four species are endemic to Mongolia. Among the 677 species, the regional conservation status of 51 species was previously assessed as threatened in the country. Furthermore, we collected all available occurrence records from various sources. A total of 4733 occurrences of 655 species across Mongolia were analyzed for species richness based on a 0.5 degrees x 0.5 degrees grid cell size. We found the records to be unevenly distributed across Mongolia, where records from the northern and central parts dominate. Among these, we identified 43 grids with a high diversity of macrofungal species. Most of these grids did not reside inside by protected geographical areas.