- Proposed
- Under Assessment
- ENPreliminary Assessed
- 4Assessed
- 5Published
Ustilago lepturi-xerophili Vánky
- Scientific name
- Ustilago lepturi-xerophili
- Author
- Vánky
- Common names
- IUCN Specialist Group
Rust and Smut- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Ustilaginomycetes
- Order
- Ustilaginales
- Family
- Ustilaginaceae
- Assessment status
- Preliminary Assessed
- Preliminary Category
- EN B2ab(ii,iii)
- Proposed by
- Cvetomir M. Denchev
- Assessors
- Cvetomir M. Denchev
- Contributors
- Teodor T. Denchev
- Comments etc.
- Anders Dahlberg
Assessment Notes
Preliminary red-list assessment: EN B2ab(ii,iii) (Endangered)
Taxonomic notes
Why suggested for a Global Red List Assessment?
Ustilago lepturi-xerophili is a host specific smut fungus which develops sori in ovaries of Lepturus xerophilus (Poaceae).
The host plant, Lepturus xerophilus, is endemic to Australia and has a very restricted distribution area from NE Kimberley (Western Australia) and the northern part of Northern Territory to the base of Cape York (Queensland) (Mallett 2005; ALA 2015). This species has small and relatively isolated subpopulations and is severely fragmented. Lepturus xerophilus has an area of occupancy that is considerably less than 500 km2 (ALA 2015). It grows on limestone. It is listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, assessed as Near Threatened.
The smut fungus, Ustilago lepturi-xerophili, is known only from the type collection (Queensland, Chillagoe) where it was collected in 1938 (Vánky & Shivas 2008; Shivas 2010; Vánky 2011). This location is threatened by mining. Near Chillagoe there are operational mines for marble, limestone, gold, copper, and zink. Further, the host plant is threatened by an invasive plant species, Bothriochloa pertusa (Indian couch grass) that is widespread in the region and displaces Lepturus xerophilus through direct competition (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/statements/pdf/chillagoe-mungana-caves.pdf).
Preliminary red-list assessment: EN B2ab(ii,iii) (Endangered)
Ustilago lepturi-xerophili is red-listed as a threatened species because it fulfills B-criterion using AOO (area of occupancy estimated not to exceed 500 km2) and meets EN B2, regarding subcriteria a (number of locations) and b (ii & iii) (continuing decline – observed, inferred or projected – in the area of occupancy, and area, extent, and quality of the habitat). This smut fungus is threatened by human impact and an invasive species.
Geographic range
Ustilago lepturi-xerophili is known only from the type collection (Queensland, Chillagoe) where it was collected in 1938 (Vánky & Shivas 2008; Shivas 2010; Vánky 2011).
Population and Trends
Not enough information is available to permit comment on population levels.
Population Trend: Decreasing
Habitat and Ecology
The sori of Ustilago lepturi-xerophili develop in ovaria of Lepturus xerophilus (Poaceae). The fungus is host-specific and depends on its host plant.
Lepturus xerophilus is an annual herb, with culms ca 30–60 cm long which grows in the Australian Tropical Savanna. This plant grows on limestone. The collecting site of Ustilago lepturi-xerophili is in close proximity of the town of Chillagoe.
Threats
The location of Ustilago lepturi-xerophili is threatened by mining. Near Chillagoe there are operational mines for marble, limestone, gold, copper, and zink. Further, the host plant is threatened by an invasive plant species, Bothriochloa pertusa (Indian couch grass) that is widespread in the region and displaces Lepturus xerophilus through direct competition (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/statements/pdf/chillagoe-mungana-caves.pdf).
Conservation Actions
The only known locality of this smut fungus is not included in a protected area. Conservation of the host plant is needed. Ex situ conservation of the plant will not necessarily protect the fungus: in situ conservation is needed.
Research needed
Further information is needed about population levels and distribution of the fungus.
Use and Trade
Bibliography
ALA. 2015. Lepturus xerophilus. In: Atlas of Living Australia. Available online: http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Lepturus+xerophilus#. Downloaded on 22 April 2015.
Mallett, K. (ed.) 2005. Flora of Australia. Volume 44B, Poaceae 3. Australian Biological Resources Study/CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
Shivas, R. 2010. Lepturus smut (Ustilago lepturi-xerophili). Available online: PaDIL – http://www.padil.gov.au. Downloaded on 9 February 2015.
Vánky, K. 2011. Smut Fungi of the World. APS Press, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Vánky, K. and Shivas, R.G. 2008. Fungi of Australia: the smut fungi. In: Fungi of Australia Series. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra & CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
Citation
Denchev, C.M., Shivas, R.G. & Denchev, T.T. 2015. Ustilago lepturi-xerophili Vánky. In: The Global Fungal Red List Initiative. http://iucn.ekoo.se/iucn/species_view/463982/.
