Since the recent description of Cantherellus atrofuscus to distinguish it from C. cinereus, there do not appear to be subsequent records of occurrence. With a lack of such data and information on the habitat and ecology of the species, it is not possible to assess the status of its population or distribution, as compared to that of C. cinereus. There are also taxonomic doubts about the species, and it could be a synonym of Craterellus tubaeformis. It is therefore now assessed as Data Deficient.

Crucial to moving this species out of DD is determining the taxonomic status of the species, and assessing if the distribution includes mainland Europe and is likely to be widespread, or if it is endemic to Sardinia and faces threats within a restricted range.

Cantharellus atrofuscus was described in 2009 by Contu et al as a distinct species, previously identified under the name Cantharellus cinereus.

A more recent phylogenetic study which examined the C. atrofuscus holotype suggested that it should be placed in Craterellus and is close or conspecific with Craterellus tubaeformis (Olariaga et al, 2017). The authors advised undertaking a thorough comparison with C. tubaeformis to ascertain the placement of C.atrofuscus.

Chanterelle species to be assessed as part of the chanterelle comprehensive project.

The full range of this taxon is unknown. It was described in 2009 from Sardinia, Italy but the distribution description includes France, although there are currently no georeferenced records outside Sardinia (see Contu et al. 2009).

This species is only known from type description, and so there are no data with which to accurately estimate the population size and trend.

Cantharellus atrofuscus described as growing in clumps in broadleaf, mixed or conifer forests, with sporocarps appearing in the autumn/winter (Contu et al. 2009). The type specimen was found on acidic soil under Quercus suber and additional specimens were found under Quercus ilex (Contu et al. 2009).

No major threats can be identified at this time due to the lack of information about its distribution and ecology.

An evaluation of its distribution, population, habitat and ecology is required to better assess this species.

Crucial to conducting a fuller assessment of this species is determining if the distribution includes mainland Europe, or if C. atrofuscus is endemic to Sardinia. Currently, the type description indicates this species is found in France, and if so, it may have a more widespread distribution and fall under the LC category. If however, the species is restricted to Sardinia, it could be in one of the threatened categories, dependent on the evaluation of its ecological requirements and potential threats.

There is taxonomic uncertainty about the status of this species, and it may warrant being moved into synonymy with Craterellus tubaeformis (Olariaga et al. 2017, I. Olariaga Ibarguren pers. comm. 2022). Further research to confirm the taxonomic status of the species is therefore needed.