This species was described from NW Nepal. Phylogenetic studies have indicated its close relationship with Lycoperdon excipuliforme (Larsson & Jeppson 2008). It is difficult to identify without DNA-sequencing (ITS holotype DQ112589) due to morphological similarity with the common L. molle.

Lycoperdon altimontanum is a species with aa small a strongly fragmented population. Verified by DNA from two or three localities world-wide - known population less than 10 reproductive entities. However it may be under-recorded due to similarity with other species. Threat is uncler but connected to the status of subalpine-alpine grazed grasslands. DD?

Recorded from two sites in NW and C Nepal (Kreisel 1976; Genbank DQ112589), later also from a subalpine grazed grassland in southern Norway (GenBank DQ112588). Two additional records from Norway has not yet been verified with sequence data. The same applies to a record from the Swiss Alps. A record from N. Macedonia submitted to Genbank (KX686861) deviates somewhat from the holotype sequence and should be revisited. The verified records indicate an alpine/subarctic distribution but data is scanty.

Records so far indicate a very small and fragmented population in subarctic-alpine environments. Population trends are unclear.

The holotype was collected in dry alpine grassland at an altitude of 4300-5000 m.a.s.l. The sequenced Norwegian sample grew in a sheep-grazed subalpine grassland ( in a valley surrounded by mountains reaching 1000 m.a.s.l.)

A small and fragmented population could be threatened by stochastic events. The status of grazed subalpine-alpine grasslands needs to be taken into account when evaluating this species.

The species needs to be monitored in subalpine-alpine grasslands to get a better picture of its distribution and population status.

The species should be looked for in suitable subalpin-alpine habitats to get a more accurate knowledge of morphological variability, ecology etc.  The records from Switzerland and North Macedonia need further study.

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