Bovista hollosii is a recently described species morphologically reminiscent of the more common B. tomentosa (Jeppson et al. 2016). Closely related are also the recently described B. helenae, B. subcatastoma and B. disciseda from SE Russia and Siberia (Rebriev & Dvadnenko 2017, Rebriev et al. 2017).

Bovista hollosii is a species restricted sandy steppe vegetation, so far known from only a few places in Hungary and Russia. The decline of the Eurasian steppe is an ongoing threat to this species. EOO: LC/AOO: EN

Bovista hollosii is known from less than 10 localities world-wide. It is a species of sandy steppe habitats and therefor potentially overlooked in suitable localites in South and Central Asia. It is, however, highly dependent on the status and trends of the sandy steppe vegetation. It is favoured by moderate trampling of sheep or cattle creating patches of naked sand.

Bovista hollosii is a species of open, sandy, xerothermic stepp- and grassland. It occurs half-burried in the sand that is exposed through trampling by sheep and cattle or erosion by strong winds. It prefers patches of naked sand, with only scarce low herbs, mosses and lichens.

The rapid decline of the Eurasian steppe biome due to conversion into agricultural fields and excessive overgrazing.
Global warming

 

The known sites of Bovista hollosii should be regularly monitored to closely evaluate the habitat status. Dedicated search activities should be encouraged in suitable habitats.