Termitomyces le-testui is an obligate symbiont with termites native and widespread throughout equatorial Africa.  It is probably the most common African Termitomyces species, but it is declining due to threats occurring throughout its range. Data from Côte d’Ivoire suggests that the species is under significant decline, but no other supporting data are available, necessitating efforts to monitor population trends in other parts of its range. Based on available data, the species is assessed as LC, but further efforts to document its population trend are strongly recommended.

Termitomyces le-testui is one of the largest species of Termitomyces, growing in small groups on or near termite colonies. The presence of a ring distinguishes it from T. fuliginosus (R. Heim) and T. globulus (R. Heim & Gooss.-Font.), and the nipple-like umbo
on a flat brown cap distinguishes it from T. titanicus (Pegler & Piearce), the largest member of the genus

Native and widespread throughout equatorial Africa (Pegler, 1977). Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Up to 1174 (Ethiopia)). Type locality. ‘Congo’. About half of all records are from Benin.

A very common species, probably the most common African Termitomyces species. Likely declining due to threats occuring througout its range. In Côte d’Ivoire a significant decline in market data has been observed but data have not been identified to document the trend in other countries.

Sporophores appear from termite mounds in the sub-family Macrotermitinae, specifically the species Pseudacanthotermes militaris and Pseudacanthotermes spiniger.  The termites with which this fungus is associated are generally common and widespread. Termitomyces species have an obligate, mutualistic association with the termites that cultivate the fungus on predominantly dead plant matter. Can be found in forest - savanna mosaic, forests, moist savanna, and subtropical dry lowland grasslands.

Climate change, exploitation, habitat destruction and persecution are all relevant. In Tanzania, climate change is forcing pastoral Maasai and Kurya communities into subsistence farming, and this may have a knock-on effect of greater foraging pressure on the present species (Tibuhwa, 2012). Reports from Tanzania observed that change of rainfall pattern and intensity has led to a decline in numbers of sporophores of this species available for harvesting. In Ethiopia, deforestation and fires are specifically identified as threats to fungi, including the present species (Dejene et al., 2017b). Koné et al. (2013) described how deforestation and intensification of agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire is also resulting in a decline of sporophores. In Zimbabwe, agricultural development has negative impacts: repeated destruction of termitaria, and pesticides applied to control termites that damage crops also destroy the termite-fungus. Another threat in rural areas is exploitation: there is an increasing demand for fired bricks to supply growing populations with housing: a whole termite mound (unclaimed by any particular villager) is excavated to great depth to extract the clay needed for the bricks. In poor economic situations, the immediate financial return on selling bricks far outweighs that of a seasonal, uncertain crop of termite-fungi.

Few if any of the countries from which this species is known include fungi in their CBD national biodiversity strategies, action plans and reports, and none consider Termitomyces species. This would be an important first step. Reduced pressure from harvesting of sporophores and destroying of termite nests to reduce crop damage and for brick making should be avoided.

Fieldwork to document the species range, population size, and population trends. Data from Côte d’Ivoire suggest that the species is under significant decline, but no other supporting data are available necessitating efforts to monitor population trends in other parts of its range. Thus, national assessment and redlisting should be prioritised throughout the range.

This species is regarded as edible, and is widely collected by foragers. Tibuhwa (2012b) showed that, in Tanzania, the present species is a valuable component of a healthy diet, and a good source of antioxidants; also, in Tanzania, some members of the Maasai tribe recognize this species as a tonic for various gastro-intestinal ailments (Tibuhwa, 2012c). In tropical Africa, collection of wild fungi for personal consumption or for sale is predominantly carried out by older indigenous women in rural areas, often helped by young family relatives such as grandchildren. For Côte d’Ivoire, Koné et al. (2013) provided a detailed account of foraging and trade in this species. In Tanzania, sales of such harvests can contribute significantly to family incomes: at 2013 prices, a picker could typically earn up to US$900 in a single year (Tibuhwa, 2013).