The fungus was collected and described by McNabb in 1968. It has been systematically sort in the type locality over a 20 year period and not rediscovered. Similar habitats in the north and centre of South Island have also been extensively surveyed in recent year without result. The species has not been seen for 50 years and it is reasonable to suppose it is extinct.

Lactarius maaruiaensis McNabb

Proposed by Pat Leonard. Known only from the type collection in SI New Zealand. A relatively large member of the L. eucalyptorum group. It has been extensively searched for over a 15 year period, without success. The type locality is subject to increased tourism pressure. AOO/EOO 4 km2.

Springs junction, South Island, New Zealand.

The population estimate is zero.

Lactarius maruiaensis was a mycorrhizal fungus found in Nothofagus forest.

The area where it was originally found at Springs Junction has undergone rapid land use change with native forest and low intensity grazing being replaced by high intensity dairy farming. The area retained in forest has seen substantial increases in recreational use over the past 50 years. There is some evidence of damage to the habitat by pigs and deer.

List as Extinct but continue to monitor the area.

None

Dahlberg A. and Mueller G.M. (2011) Applying IUCN red-listing criteria for assessing and reporting on the conservation status of fungal species. Fungal Ecology 4: 147-162.

Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool: geocat.kew.org

Global Biodiversity Information Facility: gbif.org
Horak, E. (1973). Fungi agaricini Novaezelandiae I-V. Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia. 43:1-200

Manaaki Whenau - Landcare Research databases: https://nzfungi2.landcareresearch.co.nz/

Mycobank: http://www.mycobank.org/
McNabb, R.F.R. (1971): The Russulaceae of New Zealand. 1. Lactarius DC ex S.F. Gray. New Zealand Journal of Botany 9(1): 46-66.