Diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal fruit bodies in Como National Park, a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage in Cte dIvoire (West Africa)

A study conducted at Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, revealed a high diversity of 123 ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal species across 23 genera and nine families. The research identified key environmental factors influencing fungal distribution, with stem density of Uapaca togoensis and Isoblinia doka emerging as significant predictors. Two distinct site groups were distinguished based on fungal community composition, highlighting the ecological complexity of this tropical African World Heritage Site. The study employed weekly surveys across nine permanent plots and advanced statistical analyses, including NMDS, hierarchical clustering, and indicator species analysis, to unravel the spatial distribution and phenology of EcM fungi in relation to climatic variability.

Linda, P. L. V.-L., Nourou, S. Y., N´Golo, A. K., Francois, N. K., Andre, D. K., & Daouda, K. (2017). Diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal fruit bodies in Como National Park, a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage in Cte dIvoire (West Africa). International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 9(2), 27–44. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijbc2016.0999