Assessment Notes

Justification

This species appears to be uncommon, with an estimated population size of 5,000-10,000 mature individuals in small subpopulations of around 50 mature individuals. There is insufficient information to be able to estimate or infer a population decline throughout its distribution, but a slight decline is possible based on the threat of grazing, which appears to have a negative impact. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened, nearly meeting the conditions for listing as Vulnerable under criterion C2a(i).

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Geographic range

This species is distributed in grasslands at forest edges from Tierra Del Fuego north to Puyehue Volcano. It is found in both Argentina and Chile.

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Population and Trends

This appears to be an uncommon species. It is currently known from five widely spaced sites. Only one patch (genet) has been recorded at each site, but it is likely that there would be around five. Each genet represents 10 ramets, i.e. 50 mature individuals per site (where a site also represents a subpopulation). Therefore, we estimate 250 mature individuals in the currently known sites. This is a striking mushroom with high detectability, and its habitat requirements appear to be quite specific. It is therefore likely to occur in 20-40 times as many sites as currently known, i.e. a total population size of 5,000-10,000 mature individuals.

There is insufficient information to be able to estimate or infer a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals, but a slight decline is suspected based on the threat of grazing.

Population Trend: decreasing

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Habitat and Ecology

This species is found in minimally disturbed grasslands at forest edges and in wetland-grassland interfaces. However, this species is not found in areas with extensive logging or cattle grazing. This species is assumed to be a saprobe although it is possible that this species may act as a biotroph with plants.

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Threats

Continued logging and cattle grazing in Patagonia are ongoing threats to this species. In common with other related species, it is likely that the nitrogen enrichment caused by the presence of grazing animals has a negative impact. Soil compaction by grazers may also have an effect.

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Conservation Actions

Conservation of natural, minimally disturbed grassland-forest and forest-wetland interfaces are required for the health of this species. Also, more data are needed on the exact distribution of this species since there are relatively few published records. Understanding of the trophic mode may help to predict its sites of occurrence.

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Use and Trade

This species has no known human use.

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Source and Citation

Furci, G. & Smith, M. 2020. Cuphophyllus adonis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T172831155A172861337. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T172831155A172861337.en .Accessed on 3 February 2024

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• Country occurrence