2026/05/18 by Sabitra Pradhan, Michael Thomas · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Engineering · #Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions #Slime Mold and Myxomycetes Research #Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/arphapreprints.e200143
openalex created_date 2026/05/16 · openalex publication_date 2026/05/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
A study was undertaken including systematic field surveys and specimen-based documentation of macrofungi across Bhutan to address longstanding inventory gaps in national fungal knowledge. Despite Bhutan’s position within the biologically rich Himalayan region, fungal diversity has remained underrepresented in both regional checklists and global biodiversity databases. To establish a reliable baseline, surveys were conducted across diverse habitats and elevational gradients, including temperate broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, alpine zones, and subtropical regions. Standardized collection protocols were followed to ensure high-quality voucher specimens, detailed field metadata, and accurate georeferencing. All specimens were curated, identified using current taxonomic literature, and deposited in national mushroom centre Fungarium collection. Throughout the project, particular emphasis was placed on verifying nomenclature, updating synonymy, and documenting precise locality data to enhance long-term research value. This sustained effort has resulted in one of the most comprehensive specimen-based datasets of Bhutanese macrofungi assembled to date. To promote transparency, accessibility, and global collaboration, the complete specimen dataset is now being published through an openly accessible biodiversity data portal. The dataset follows internationally recognized biodiversity informatics standards to ensure interoperability with global repositories. By mobilizing these occurrence records, we aim to provide a robust foundation for future taxonomic, ecological, conservation, and biogeographic studies, while supporting national biodiversity assessment and long-term monitoring initiatives in the Himalayan region. The dataset of the Bhutan National Fungarium comprises 2,500 macrofungal specimen records, of which 100% are georeferenced, providing strong spatial resolution for distributional analysis. Taxonomic coverage includes 104 families, 270 genera, and 816 species, with 1,990 records (80%) identified to species level. In total, the dataset documents 824 taxa, including subspecies and varieties, representing the most comprehensive specimen-based fungal datasets available for Bhutan. District-level (Dzongkhag) sampling reveals a strong concentration of collections in Thimphu (1,454 records), followed by Tsirang (273) and Punakha (225). Moderate sampling has occurred in Bumthang (149), Sarpang (116), and Paro (105). Several districts remain minimally sampled, including Chukha (83), Haa (81), Trashiyangtse (7), Trongsa (3), Gasa (2), and Samtse (2). Notably, the following eight districts have not yet been sampled: Dagana, Lhuentse, Mongar, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, Wangdue Phodrang, and Zhemgang. These geographic gaps highlight priority areas for future macrofungal surveys to improve national coverage and better represent Bhutan’s fungal diversity across the Himalayan landscape.