Ethnomycology of Termitomyces species in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Southwest Ethiopia

• Mushroom collection involves women and children in all the communities. • Termitomyces are collected in termite mounds, woodlands, and moist areas. • The Berta communities show rich ethnomycological knowledge of Termitomyces. • The Berta community preserves mushroom by sun drying, smoking and salting. • The Berta community links Termitomyces growing to prosperity and good harvest as local beliefs. Wild mushrooms, particularly Termitomyces species, are important non-timber forest products in Ethiopia; however, their ethnomycological aspects are under-documented. We assessed the ethnomycological knowledge of the Berta, Amhara, and Oromo ethnic groups in Bambasi woreda, in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region in Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured household interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Ten Termitomyces species were identified. All three ethnic groups collect Termitomyces mushrooms. The Berta have extensive ethnomycological knowledge, a well-developed ethnotaxa, and diverse utilization practices. Among the Amhara and Oromo, children are the main collectors, whereas the Berta collect mushrooms as a family (i.e., women and children). The Berta identified termite mounds, woodlands, and riparian areas as key habitats. Although Termitomyces mushrooms are a seasonal food, commercialization is limited and there is no ethnomedicinal usage by these ethnic groups. The Berta are more dependent on wild and commercial sources of Termitomyces than the Amhara or Oromo. The Berta consume both fresh and preserved (i.e., sun dried, smoked, or salted) mushrooms, and use powdered Termitomyces as a spice or condiment. Unlike other societies, the Berta consider Termitomyces to be a symbol of prosperity, linking the early emergence of Termitomyces to good fortune. Traditional knowledge and beliefs are passed on orally by elders at social gatherings and village meetings. Documenting traditional knowledge, enhancing the value of collected mushrooms, and providing research and training support could promote the sustainable use of Termitomyces while enhancing the economic and ecological significance of Termitomyces in the study area.