BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS, AND DISTRIBUTION OFMACROFUNGI IN SWEDEN

We conducted a statistical analysis of taxonomic and functional groups , of some ecological characteristics (edaphic factors, macro- and micr o-habitats) and of the distribution of macrofungi in Sweden, based on an ecological data catalog of 3196 species. We placed particular empha sis on a comparison of threatened and non-threatened taxa. Differences in the proportions of threatened macrofungi were found among both tax onomic and functional groups, partly explained by a lack of informatio n on some of the groups. A comparatively high proportion of threatened taxa occur in semi-natural open habitats such as calcareous grassland s and in southern deciduous hardwood forests on high-pH soils. Another habitat type of major importance for red-listed species is the boreal spruce forest. A high proportion of the wood-inhabiting species are r ed-listed; this is probably a result of the dramatic decrease in decay ing wood in Swedish forests during this century. Both the absolute num ber of species and the absolute and relative numbers of threatened spe cies from south to north. Many functional and habitat characteristics differed between regions. Our overall results were largely consistent with those found for forest plants and animals. Some differences, howe ver, were found when comparing macrofungal characteristics and levels of threat to macrofungi between Sweden and other European countries. A mong the main threats to macrofungi in Sweden are modern forestry, the decrease of semi-natural open habitats as a result of changed land ma nagement practices, and in southern Sweden, probably also air pollutio n.