• 1Proposed
  • 2Under Assessment
  • 3Preliminary Assessed
  • 4Assessed
  • 5Published

Acaulospora elegans Trappe & Gerd.

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Scientific name
Acaulospora elegans
Author
Trappe & Gerd.
Common names
 
IUCN Specialist Group
Unknown
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Glomeromycota
Class
Glomeromycetes
Order
Diversisporales
Family
Acaulosporaceae
Assessment status
Dormant
Proposed by
Joana Veras
Comments etc.
Joana Veras, Leonor Maia, Anders Dahlberg

Assessment Notes

Taxonomic notes

Its spores measure 140-285 × 145-330 µm in diameter, dark brown, formed separately in the soil from the sporiferous saccule. It presents ornamentation in the laminated layer (L2 of the spore wall), described as a single layer reticulum on several spines (0.5 µm high).


Why suggested for a Global Red List Assessment?

Considering its wide distribution on different continents, this species should be classified as LC.


Geographic range

The species in known in four countries.Despite being referred to other locations in Brazil (Amazon, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco), this is the first record of this species on this site for the country.


Population and Trends

There are about 9 records of this species in GBIF. The species is well distributed and registered in at least six countries, in different continents. In Brazil it was recorded in three biomes. The data are not enough to discuss about current trends on population.

Population Trend: Uncertain


Habitat and Ecology

In Brazil, this species is registered in different biomes, such as Amazon rainforest, Atlantic rainforest and Caatinga (in addition to anthropized environments: Agrosystems, Pastures and Mining).

Subtropical/Tropical Dry ForestOther

Threats

As mandatory symbionts, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi pass a part of the life cycle associated with a host (plant). Thus, the main threats related to these fungi are the loss of vegetation and soil disturbances

Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target)Other ecosystem modificationsHabitat shifting & alteration

Conservation Actions

Soil microorganisms, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, receive little attention in the field of conservation biology, although they play a crucial role in the production of fundamental ecosystem services, such as fertility, soil formation and maintenance, nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics , among others. For the conservation of these fungi, in addition to the soil, it is also necessary to preserve the associated vegetation.

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restoration

Research needed

In a future scenario, it is important to develop an information system that can predict the degree to which plants depend on mycorrhizal fungi and the effects of this association for both symbionts. In this perspective, understanding more about the evolutionary history and ecological aspects of these fungi, can help to understand the variation in functional attributes between species and even predict the result of interactions between the fungus and the host.

Population size, distribution & trendsLife history & ecology

Use and Trade


Bibliography

MARINHO, Frederico et al. Checklist of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tropical forests. Sydowia, v. 70, p. 107-127, 2018.
MAIA, Leonor Costa et al. Species diversity of Glomeromycota in Brazilian biomes. Sydowia, v. 72, p. 181-205, 2020.


Country occurrence

Regional Population and Trends

Country Trend Redlisted