Auriporia aurulenta is a rare lignicolous saprotroph which primarily occurs in mountain old-growth or mature coniferous and mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests. Basidiomata occur on the wood of large-size coniferous fallen trunks (Pinus, Picea, Abies) and rarely Fagus.

The species is restricted to large, mature trees, primarily in montane habitats, and these habitats are in decline across its range and considered to be continuing and ongoing into the future. The population size is small and comfortably

<2,500 mature individuals with >

95% of the population in the one subpopulation in western and central Europe. On this basis the species is assessed as EN C2a(i).

 

Auriporia aurulenta A. David, Tortič & Jelić is one of the three species considered currently in the genus Auriporia Ryvarden (Polyporales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota). Two other species are A. aurea (Peck) Ryvarden, the type of the genus Auriporia, and A. brasilica G. Coelho.  Based on ITS data, the one record of this species from the US is conspecific, but the habitat is so different that further study with additional genetic markers is warranted.

Increasing anthropogenic impacts on mountain forest ecosystems, including recreational pressure, logging, and the removal of dead wood, are leading to the destruction of habitats for Auriporia aurulenta, a species with strict requirements for large coniferous dead wood in mountain habitats.

The species is known from several countries in Europe (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Russia (European part), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine). There are also records from Japan and Eastern Russia. Usually it is restricted to mountain habitats, everywhere it has been recorded as single specimens.  There is one report from the United States and one from Brazil, which are not included in this assessment as the described habitat for that specimen indicates that it may represent a distinct species.

The total number of known localities is around c.170 (GBIF, 2026), with an estimated AOO of 676km2. This is a distinctive species so the number of unknown sites is likely to be very low. A cautious estimate of 2 times as many localities would give an estimated AOO of 1,352km2.

Based on available literature and herbarium data, the species has been recorded from single finds within the surveyed localities. The total number of known localities is around c.170 and a maximum of twice as many. Assuming 2-5 individuals at each locality and assuming a maximum of 340 localities would give an estimated population size of 680-1700 mature individuals (VU D1-NT).

The species is restricted to large, mature trees, primarily in montane habitats, and these habitats are in decline across its range and considered to be continuing and ongoing into the future. The population size is small and comfortably

<2,500 mature individuals with >

95% of the population in the one subpopulation in western and central Europe. On this basis the species is assessed as EN C2a(i).

 

Auriporia aurulenta is a lignicolous saprotroph. The species primarily occurs in mountain old-growth or mature coniferous and mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests. Basidiomata occur on the wood of large-size coniferous fallen trunks (Pinus, Picea, Abies) and rarely Fagus.

As the species needs large dead conifer trunks, logging and removal of dead wood reduces its required substrata and habitat. Logging of these forests and conversion for recreational development of mountain areas are key drivers of habitat loss.

Site and habitat protection with appropriate management is needed.

Research into the distribution and habitat requirement of the species throughout its range is needed. Based on ITS data, the one record of this species from the US is conspecific, but the habitat is so different that further study with additional genetic markers is warranted.

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