Since the recent description of Cantherellus atrofuscus to distinguish it from C. cinereus, there do not appear to be subsequent records of occurrence. With a lack of such data and information on the habitat and ecology of the species, it is not possible to assess the status of its population or distribution, as compared to that of C. cinereus. It is therefore now assessed as Data Deficient.
Crucial to moving this species out of DD is determining if the distribution includes mainland Europe and if C. atrofuscus is likely to be widespread, or if C. atrofuscus is endemic to Sardinia and faces threats within a restricted range.

Cantharellus atrofuscus was described in 2009 by Contu et al as a distinct species, previously identified under the name Cantharellus cinereus.

A more recent phylogenetic study which examined the C. atrofuscus holotype suggested that it should be placed in Craterellus and is close or conspecific with Craterellus tubaeformis (Olariaga et al, 2017). The authors advised undertaking a thorough comparison with C. tubaeformis to ascertain the placement of C.atrofuscus.

Chanterelle species to be assessed as part of the chanterelle comprehensive project.

Range unknown, described in 2009 from holotype and specimens from Sardinia, Italy but distribution description includes France, although there are currently no georeferenced records outside Sardinia.
C. atrofuscus previously described under C. cinereus, which has a widespread European distribution. C.atrofuscus may therefore be widespread but unrecorded due to the confusion between species.
No occurrence data available on GBIF.

Only known from type description.

C. atrofuscus described as cespitose in broadleaf, mixed or conifer forests, sporocarps appearing in autumn/winter. Type specimen found on acidic soil under Quercus suber and additional specimens found under Quercus ilex.

No major threats identified due to lack of information about distribution and ecology.

An evaluation of its distribution, population, habitat and ecology is required to better assess this species.

Crucial to conducting a fuller assessment of this species is determining if the distribution includes mainland Europe, or if C. atrofuscus is endemic to Sardinia. Currently, the type description indicates this species is found in France, and if so, it may have a more widespread distribution and fall under the LC category. If however, the species is restricted to Sardinia, it could be in one of the threatened categories, dependent on the evaluation of its ecological requirements and potential threats.