Wood-decay fungi (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in three physiognomies in the Savannah region in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study was carried out aiming at determining whether the following factors are related to the diversity of wood-decay fungi: cerrado physiognomies, vegetation diversity (availability of substrates), preservation status of the area and its management backgrounds, and the existence of rivers nearby (humidity). 796 specimens were collected in four areas: one in the cerrado sensu stricto, one in the semi-deciduous forest and two in the riparian forest (one more preserved and the other less preserved). A total of 92 species of fungi were identified. Eleven species are common in the four areas sampled and 30 species occurred only once during the two-year sampling. Higher richness and abundance were observed in the more preserved area of riparian forest. This study showed that in the same macroclimate, the Agaricomycetes diversity is influenced by the vegetation’s physiognomy and diversity related to the soil characteristics, humidity, and conservation level of the area.