Features of the Geographical Distribution of the Rare Fungi Picipes rhizophilus (Basidiomycota) in a Changing Climate

Abstract

The ability to determine the spatial distribution of rare fungal species is critical to understanding the environmental factors that affect them. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) spatial distribution modeling solves this problem by allowing inferences about the distribution of species in a gradient of environmental factors based on occurrence data. To identify patterns of spatial distribution based on objective data, models of the potential geographical distribution of the rare polyporoid fungus of Picipes rhizophilus under current conditions (~1950–2000) and with predicted future climate changes (2100 AD) on a global scale have been created. The species Picipes rhizophilus can develop in steppe habitats of both plains and mountains. Most known habitats of the species are found in the ecoregions that make up the temperate grasslands, savannas and shrublands, Mediterranean forests, woodlands and scrubs, and desert and xeric shrubland biomes. The species is not associated with forest biomes, but it can be found in habitats located on their territory, subject to the processes of climate aridization and desertification. The species Picipes rhizophilus can develop in steppe habitats of both plains and mountains. Modeling the potential distribution of the species under the selected climatic scenario has shown the dynamics of changes in its range. The species-friendly climate area will increase in the North American continent, while there will be no significant changes in Europe and adjacent areas of Africa. In the most favorable territory for the species, located in the basin of the Western Manych River, conditions will become less favorable. There will be a local shift in the areas of potential distribution in the Asian part.