Mycological Profiling and Taxonomic Inventory of Macrofungi in Biliran Province, Philippines: Insights into Island Biodiversity Records and Conservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2513.02.08Keywords:
macrofungi, taxonomic checklist, Agaricales, Marasmius, Mycena, biodiversity, fungal ecology, species distributionAbstract
Background: Macrofungi serve essential ecological functions as decomposers, nutrient recyclers, and symbionts; however, their diversity across many regions of the Philippines remains insufficiently documented. In Biliran Province, researchers have conducted only limited surveys to record local macrofungal species. This study aimed to document the macroscopic fungi present in Barangay Iyusan, Almeria, Biliran, and to develop a taxonomic checklist that contributes to the province's growing inventory of macrofungi.
Methods: This investigation involved field sampling across different microhabitats, and specimens were described and identified based on their macroscopic characteristics using standard taxonomic keys. The team conducted classification following established hierarchies at the order, family, genus, and species levels.
Results: Overall, 169 macrofungal specimens were documented, comprising seven orders, 19 families, 34 genera, and 69 species. Of these, 28 were identified to genus level and 41 to species level. Agaricales was dominant, with Marasmiellus, Marasmius, Lycoperdon, Delicatula, and Mycena distributed across substrates including wood, leaf litter, twigs, soil, and manure.
Conclusion: The study highlights the rich yet understudied macrofungal diversity of Biliran Province, emphasizing the need for further systematic surveys to enhance the Philippines' mycological database.
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