During the scientific project “Research and Inventory of Fungi in Forest Habitats of Krka National Park”, as many as eleven species of fungi previously unrecorded in Croatia were discovered in Krka National park, along with an entirely new genus, representing an exceptionally valuable contribution to the knowledge and conservation of the country’s fungal diversity.
The research was conducted by distinguished Croatian mycologists Dr. Željko Zgrablić, Dr. Armin Mešić, Dr. Zdenko Tkalčec, Dr. Ivana Kušan, and Neven Matočec, in cooperation with the Public Institution Krka National Park. The aim of the project was to determine the diversity of fungi in the Park’s most important forest habitats, including areas in the immediate vicinity of cultural and historical sites such as the island of Visovac.
“At a time when we are witnessing the accelerated disappearance of many species, every new scientific discovery is extremely important. This project once again confirms the importance of continuous cooperation between Krka National Park and the scientific community, as well as the value of systematic research and inventorying of natural assets. Such research not only expands scientific knowledge but also forms the foundation for effective management, nature conservation, and the long-term protection of biodiversity,” emphasized Nella Slavica, Director of the Public Institution Krka National Park.
Field research was carried out over eleven days at nineteen different locations, during various seasons from spring to autumn, in order to cover as wide a range of species as possible. In total, 184 fungal records were documented, and 101 species were taxonomically identified from the two largest fungal divisions: Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.
The particular value of the research lies in the fact that, in addition to species newly recorded for Croatia, nine identified species are listed on the Croatian Red List of Fungi, while eight species are strictly protected by law, further confirming the exceptional preservation of natural habitats within Krka National Park.
Among the most frequently recorded species were fungi well known to the general public, such as the chanterelle (Cantharellus pallens), as well as many other species that play a crucial role in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Fungi inhabit almost all ecosystems on Earth and play an irreplaceable role in terrestrial ecosystems by decomposing dead organic matter and enabling the cycling of nutrients. Many species form symbiotic relationships with plants (mycorrhiza), improving soil quality and strengthening ecosystem resilience, while their fruiting bodies and mycelium serve as an important food source for numerous organisms in nature.
