Assessment Notes

Justification

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% 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 harbours 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 under criterion A3c.

---

Geographic range

Alpova austroalnicola is currently thought to be an endemic species of the montane forests of the southern Yungas of Bolivia and Argentina, in the bosques de alisos del cerro within the Bosques Montanos altitudinal floor. Two collections are currently known from 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 the southern Yungas.

---

Population and Trends

Alpova austroalnicola is considered a rare species, since it presents a hypogeous basidiomata and only two occurrences are known. 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 the 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 and 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' three generation time period of 50 years (Dahlberg and Mueller 2011), the reduction in suitable habitat for the specific forest that harbours 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.

Population Trend: decreasing

---

Habitat and Ecology

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.

---

Threats

The Aliso del Cerro forests 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 and cattle ranching (Grau and 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.

---

Conservation Actions

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.

---

Use and Trade

No use/trade is known.

---

Source and Citation

Pelissero, D. 2023. Alpova austroalnicola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T238219186A245224126. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T238219186A245224126.en .Accessed on 4 January 2024

---

• Country occurrence