Diversity Analysis of Macrofungi and Lichenised Fungi in Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.) and Chestnut (Castanea sativa L.) Forests: Implications for the Conservation of Forest Habitats in Castilla y León (Central-Northwest Spain)

Fungi can be used as bioindicators to assess the biodiversity and conservation status of different habitats because of their high adaptability and sensitivity to changes in water, air, and soil quality. In this study, records of macrofungi and lichenised fungi were extracted from GBIF, surveyed using GIS software, and used to compare the fungal diversity of the Pyrenean oak and chestnut groves of Castilla y León, analysing the possible implications of their presence for the conservation of these forest habitats. In Quercus pyrenaica forests, a greater number of lichen and macrofungi species and records were recorded than in Castanea sativa forests, although the greater area occupied by the former could have influenced this diversity. The higher presence of ectomycorrhizal macrofungal species in chestnut groves, as well as the higher sensitivity to pollution of lichens in Pyrenean oak-dominated environments, showed the relevance of the analysis of these data for a better understanding of the conservation status of forest habitats. However, in order to obtain more accurate results, it would be necessary to carry out specific studies on a smaller scale.