Alpova austroalnicola is an ectomycorrhizal species (hypogeous basidiomata) associated with the bosques de alisos del cerro (Alnus acuminata) in the altitudinal floor called Bosques Montanos (Montane Forests) of the Yungas. Two collections are currently known for Argentina and it is expected it occurs also in Bolivia. Currently is considered an endemic species to the montane forests of the southern Yungas. Because this species has an ectomycorrhizal habit, its distribution pattern could be closely related to the distribution of its host, Alnus acuminata. Recent studies indicate that the host is being considerably affected by climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Therefore, the number of arboreal hosts is expected to be reduced between 25 - 50 percent by the year 2050. This suggests that the population of associated ectomycorrhizal fungi will have an equal or greater reduction. It is estimated that the population of A. austroalnicola in the Aliso del Cerro forests ranges from 2,500 to 20,000 mature individuals. Considering the species’ generation length of 50 years, the reduction in suitable habitat for the specific forest that harbors this species may be even greater than the projected 25-50% by 2050 if measures are not taken to mitigate the effects of climate change (Wicaksono et al., 2017). Conservatively, there is a 30% reduction in population size suspected to be met in the next 50 years, based on current projections. The species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU A3c

Alpova austroalnicola L.S. Domínguez, Mycologia 97(3): 599 (2005)

Alpova austroalnicola is currently an endemic species to the montane forests of the southern Yungas. Because this species has an ectomycorrhizal habit, its distribution pattern could be closely related to the distribution of its host, Alnus acuminata. Recent studies indicate that the host is being considerably affected by climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Therefore, the number of arboreal hosts is expected to be reduced between 25 - 50 percent by the year 2050. This suggests that the population of associated ectomycorrhizal fungi will have an equal or greater reduction.

Alpova austroalnicola is currently an endemic species of the montane forests of the southern Yungas, in the bosques de alisos del cerro within the Bosques Montanos altitudinal floor. Two collections are currently known for Argentina. Because this species has an ectomycorrhizal habit its distribution pattern could be closely related to the distribution of its host, Alnus acuminata, being likely that the fungus is restricted to Southern Yungas.

Alpova austroalnicola is considered a rare species, since it presents a hypogeous basidiomata and only two occurrences are known. The estimation of the population size was made based on the distribution area of the host, occurring throughout the Andean countries and Central America up to Mexico (according to GBIF there are 525 observations of Alnus acuminata from Argentina to Mexico). Nevertheless, considering that A. austroalnicola records are only known for the Argentina Yungas, it is expected that the species is likely restricted to the distribution area within Southern Yungas, which encompasses the cloud forests of Argentina and Bolivia (Morrone 2002). Based on the available data from the GBIF dataset, Wicaksono et al. (2017) identified a total of 60 sites within the region where Alnus acuminata is found. These specific sites are considered potential habitats for the presence of A. austroalnicola. Situated at the border between montane forests and grasslands, the Aliso del Cerro forests are often nestled in ravines, creating an ideal microclimate that promotes the species’ prosperity. However, these areas face substantial anthropogenic pressures, primarily stemming from firewood extraction and prescribed fires employed for cattle ranching clearance (Grau & Brown 2000, Brown et al. 2002, Pacheco et al. 2010).
It is estimated that the population of A. austroalnicola in the Aliso del Cerro forests ranges from 2,500 to 20,000 mature individuals. Considering the species’ generation length of 50 years, the reduction in suitable habitat for the specific forest that harbors this species may be even greater than the projected 25-50% by 2050 if measures are not taken to mitigate the effects of climate change (Wicaksono et al., 2017). Conservatively, there is a 30% reduction in population size suspected to be met in the next 50 years, based on current projections.

This ectomycorrhizal species (hypogeous basidiomata) is associated with the bosques de alisos del cerro (Alnus acuminata) in the altitudinal floor called Bosques Montanos (Montane Forests) of the Yungas.

The Aliso del Cerro forests (host distribution) are located on the border between the montane forest and the grassland, often in ravines, which generate a prosperous microclimate for the species. These areas suffer with great anthropic influence, mainly due to the extraction of firewood, prescribed fires for clearance to cattle ranching (Grau & Brown 2000, Brown et al. 2002, Pacheco et al. 2010). The effect on the host has a direct impact on the fungus because they have an obligate symbiosis. Additionally, these forests are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change. According to Wicaksono et al. (2017), it is estimated that these forests will experience a reduction of 25% to 50% in their extent, depending on the scenario considered. This reduction in forest coverage can have negative consequences for the species and its host due to changes in habitat and climate conditions.

The main action to preserve the species is the protection of its host and its habitat. New conservation areas should be created to protect likely sites to which the species will be restricted in the future.

Some aspects of the biology and ecology could be investigated in order to understand better is dispersal vector, phenology, habitat requirement, and host specificity.

None known.

Wicaksono, C. Y., Aguirre‐Guiterrez, J., Nouhra, E., Pastor, N., Raes, N., Pacheco, S., & Geml, J. (2017). Contracting montane cloud forests: a case study of the Andean alder (Alnus acuminata) and associated fungi in the Yungas. Biotropica, 49(2), 141-152.
Nouhra, E. R., Dominguez, L. S., Becerra, A. G., & Trappe, J. M. (2005). Morphological, molecular and ecological aspects of the South American hypogeous fungus Alpova austroalnicola sp. nov. Mycologia, 97(3), 598-604.
Morrone, J. J. (2002). Presentación sintética de un nuevo esquema biogeográfico de América Latina y el Caribe. Proyecto de Red Iberoamérica de Biogeografía y Entomología Sistemática PrIBES, 2, 267-275.