Since the relatively recent description of Cantherellus atlanticus, there have been very limited 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 a similar species, C.cibarius. It is therefore now assessed as Data Deficient, however this could be shifted if different assumptions about its potential range and number of locations are made.

Crucial to moving this species out of DD is determining if the distribution is limited to Atlantic coast pine plantations or if C. atlanticus is likely to be more widespread.

Described by Romagnesi as Cantharellus cibarius var. atlanticus in 1995 and as C. atlanticus by Eyssartier & Roux in 2011.

More recently, a multigene phylogenetic study found C. atlanticus to be a synonym of C. cibarius (Olariaga et al, 2017).

Preliminary assessment conducted based on C. atlanticus species information. Clarification of taxonomic status required to review this preliminary assessment.

Chanterelle species to be assessed as part of the chanterelle comprehensive project - drop as is a synonym.

C. atlanticus described from French Atlantic coast (Landes department) and subsequent records from Spanish Atlantic coast. Range extent uncertain as occurrence data is very limited. Estimates of EOO and AOO from GeoCat can be made based on 4 georeferenced occurrence records, but are very likely underestimates:
EOO - 229.704 km2
AOO - 12.000 km2

The KML polygon file attached is a minimum inferred range of C. atlanticus based on existing occurrence data and Pinus pinaster and other conifer habitat extent on the French/Italian Atlantic coast, with an estimated area of 27,781km2. This range assumes a restricted distribution for C. atlanticus, however Pinus pinaster has a more widespread European distribution, particularly around the Iberian peninsula. Global Forest Watch’s mapping data suggests extensive cover of plantations in this inferred range, which have fluctuated in tree cover over the last decade, presumably associated with felling and planting regimes.

The similar Cantharellus species C. cibarius is recorded in a similar area to C. atlanticus and is widespread across Europe, thus C. atlanticus could have been wrongly identified as C. cibarius in some cases. Lack of information about the specificity of habitat requirements for C. atlanticus and potential for wrongly attributed records means that a variety of ranges could be inferred depending on the assumptions of the assessor.

Population estimates are difficult to make, and depend on the assumptions about the inferred range. Population could be restricted based on the limited occurrence data. The species was relatively recently described and therefore there are few spatio-temporal records to base population size and trends over time upon.

The lack of observation data or knowledge of the ecological requirements of this species mean that estimating the likely number of unrecorded localities, or functional individuals per locality is highly uncertain. Of the two locations at which there are records, sporocarps were recorded in two successive years, indicating there may be a higher number of mature individuals per functional individual, thus the template number of 10 may be appropriate.

To move this species outside of DD, a population estimate in the restricted inferred range outlined above, or in a revised range based on further information the following information is required:
No. known localities (2) + Estimated No. unrecorded localities (?) x Estimated No. functional individuals per locality (?) x Estimated number of mature individuals per functional individual (10)
If recent work which has identified C.atlanticus as a synonym of C.cibarius changes the accepted taxonomic status of this species its population and trends would be significantly altered.

Type specimen and French records are described on sandy soil, along alleys of Pinus pinaster plantations. Habitat thought to be primarily under maritime conifers (Eyssartier & Buyck, 2000). Spanish records are described under Pinus radiata on acidic soil.

No major threats identified.
Pinus pinaster, the conifer species which characterises the habitat of C. atlanticus, has been assessed as Least Concern. Other maritime conifer plantations may also form suitable habitat but in plantation settings, such habitat may be affected by planting and felling cycles, or impacts on soil quality through plantation management.

Confirmation of taxonomic status and an evaluation of its distribution, population, habitat and ecology is required to better assess this species, and move it out of DD.

Crucial to conducting a fuller assessment of this species is determining if the distribution is more widespread than Atlantic coast conifer plantations in Spain and France. Currently, the type description indicates C. atlanticus occurs under at least one pine species with a much more widespread European distribution, and thus it could fall the LC category if it is occurs across the range of such pine species. If however, the species is restricted to the inferred range outlined here, it could be in one of the threatened categories, dependent on the evaluation of its population, ecological requirements and potential threats.

No documented use and trade of this species, however the similar species C. cibarius is a widely harvested edible mushroom and thus C. atlanticus may also be consumed where it occurs and is identified as C. cibarius.