Cortinarius galbus is an ectomycorrhizal species found in association with Nothofagus dombeyi, N. antarctica, Lophozonia alpina, and L. obliqua. Basidiomes are found bellow ground and are the dispersal might rely on animal consumption to propagate the species. Recent findings suggest that birds play a key role in the life cycle of patagonian native truffle-like mushrooms. Threats endangering the populations of those birds might compromise also species like C. galbus. So far this species is only known from three sites in Argentina (Nahuel Huapi National Park) and in two sites in Chile (Puyehue and Villarrica National Park) (2016 to 2019). Because this species has an ectomycorrhizal habit, its distribution pattern is likely related to the distribution of its hosts in an increasingly threatened in Nothofagaceae domain. Deforestation, forest fires (intentional and accidental due to drought and climate change), invasive species and cattle income are a growing threat. Cortinarius galbus is considered a rare species and only one specimen was observed per site, but it is conservatively considered that there are at least 15-30 mature individuals per site, that would be found with a greater sampling effort. Considering that the species is associated with an increasingly threatened Nothofagus forests (Miranda et al., 2017; CONAF 1999 and 2020), it is expected that the current population is no bigger than 10,000 mature individuals. The generation time of this species is 50 years, and it is inferred that due to climate change and other threats, such as deforestation, fires increase, alien species and cattle, the area suitable for the specific forest which harbors this species will decrease conservatively 15% in the next 30 years (year 2050) and, as a consequence, the population size of fungal species is in continuing decline. This species is assessed as Vulnerable - VU C2a(ii).

Cortinarius galbus Kuhar & Nouhra, sp. nov. 2021, in Nouhra, Kuhar, Truong, Pastor, Crespo, Mujic, Caiafa & Smith, Mycologia. 2021 Sep-Oct;113(5):1022-1055.
Typification Details: Holotype FLAS- F-64267

Cortinarius galbus is an ectomycorrhizal species found in association with native plants in Nothofagaceae domain in Argentina and Chile. Recent findings suggest that birds play a key role in the life cycle of patagonian native truffle-like mushrooms and threats endangering the populations of those birds might compromise also species like C. galbus. This species is associated with an increasingly threatened Nothofagus forest. Deforestation, forest fires, invasive species and cattle income are a growing threat.  Also, Cortinarius galbus is considered a rare species and should be assessed in order to better understand its conservation status.

So far this species is only known from three sites in Argentina (Nahuel Huapi National Park) and in two sites in Chile (Puyehue and Villarrica National Park) (2016 to 2019). Because this species has an ectomycorrhizal habit, its distribution pattern is likely related to the distribution of its hosts, in Nothofagaceae domain.

Cortinarius galbus is considered a rare species. It has very small-sized sequestrate globose pileus, yellow to olive brown basidiomes; covered by a white to translucent universal veil; occurring under the litter layer beneath trees of the Nothofagaceae. One specimen was observed per site, but it is considered that there are at least 15-30 mature individuals per site, that would be found with a greater sampling effort. Then, considering that the species is associated with an increasingly threatened Nothofagus forests (Miranda et al., 2017; CONAF 1999 and 2020), it is expected that the current population is no bigger than 10,000 mature individuals. The generation time of this species is 50 years, and it is inferred that due to climate change and other threats, such as deforestation, fires increase, alien species and cattle, the area suitable for the specific forest which harbors this species will decrease conservatively 15% in the next 30 years (year 2050), and consequently the fungal population size is in continuing decline.

This ectomycorrhizal species so far it has been found in association with Nothofagus dombeyi, Lophozonia alpina, L. obliqua (Villarrica and Puyehue National Park in Chile), and Nothofagus antarctica (Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina). The basidiomes are often found bellow ground and are the dispersal might rely on animal consumption to propagate the species. Recent findings suggest that birds in the family Rhynocryptidae play a key role in the life cycle of patagonian native truffle-like mushrooms. Threats endangering the populations of those birds might compromise also species like C. galbus.

This species is associated with an increasingly threatened Nothofagus forest. Deforestation, forest fires (intentional and accidental due to drought and climate change), invasive species like Pseudotsuga menziesii (Oregon pine) and cattle income are a growing threat. Also, new research suggests that a rare family of birds (Rhynocryptids) might be involved in the spore dispersal of hypogeous fungi in Patagonia (Caiafa Sepulveda et al. 2021). Confirming if this is the case of this particular species and also the exclusivity of this relation would provide invaluable information and suggest conservation strategies.

As three of the known localities of Cortinarius galbus are within protected areas (national parks), one in both Chile and Argentina, law reinforcement is important as well as education and awareness about the species.

The biology of the species (dispersal vector, sporomes-forming patterns), its ecology (habitat requirement, host specificity), and how it interacts with its Nothofagus hosts should be more investigated. Further research is needed to find out whether the species is under-looked or truly rare.

No uses or trade are known so far.

Nouhra E, Kuhar F, Truong C, Pastor N, Crespo E, Mujic A, Caiafa MV, Smith ME. Thaxterogaster revisited: A phylogenetic and taxonomic overview of sequestrate Cortinarius from Patagonia. Mycologia. 2021 Sep-Oct;113(5):1022-1055. Doi: 10.1080/00275514.2021.1894535. Epub 2021 Jul 8. PMID: 34236939.

CONAF. 2020. Catastro de los Recursos vegetacionales y Uso de la Tierra.

Miranda, A.; Altamirano, A.; Cayuela, L.; Lara, A.; González, M. 2017. Native forest loss in the Chilean biodiversity hotspot: revealing the evidence. Reg Environ Change 17:285–297
DOI 10.1007/s10113-016-1010-7

CONAF. 1999. CATASTRO Y EVALUACIÓN DE RECURSOS VEGETACIONALES NATIVOS DE CHILE. Informe Nacional con Variables Ambientales. PROYECTO CONAF - CONAMA – BIRF.

Sepulveda, M. V. C. (2021). Fungal Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution: From Mutualism to Parasitism (Doctoral dissertation, University of Florida).