Guía ilustrada de macrohongos presentes en la Reserva Umbral Cultural Horizontes

Abstract

The fungal kingdom can be considered the second largest kingdom after the animal kingdom, as it can host approximately 1.5 million species. Currently, around 154,500 species have been described worldwide. Cataloging this unknown diversity is a challenge for mycology, and the tropical regions of Colombia are considered powerful in discovering such diversity. Research contributing to the understanding of these organisms is the basis for advancing biotechnological processes, improving sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. The purpose of this work is to design a useful guide for teaching macrofungi, to enable the community to recognize the biological group and contribute to the conservation of species present in the Umbral Cultural Horizontes Reserve. Macrofungi present in the reserve were collected, preserved, and identified during the period of February-April 2023 using the opportunistic or random method. The data were analyzed in iNEXT to determine species diversity and richness, contrasting the intensive restoration zone with the low-intervention zone in the reserve. A total of 104 records were determined, distributed among 9 orders, 34 families, 43 genera, 28 species, and 48 morphotypes, with the phylum Basidiomycota being the most representative. The Hill series showed good sampling coverage, with zone 1 having the highest species richness and diversity, due to a large part of the area's restoration and the initiatives of the digestor packs, which open up greater possibilities for fungal growth. Based on monitoring and the community's everyday knowledge, an illustrative guide was designed, validated, and implemented. This helped to encourage motivation and interest in mycology among the population.