New information on distribution of protected and rare fungal species in Irkutsk oblast

The article reviews new findings of protected and rare macromycetes in Irkutsk Oblast. Some species may enter the new (third) Red Book edition of Irkutsk Oblast, which is planned to be issued in 2030. A total of 15 species of macromycetes have been examined: Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Cortinarius salor, Cortinarius violaceus, Craterellus cornucopioides, Fomitopsis officinalis, Ganoderma lucidum, Geastrum fimbriatum, Gomphus clavatus, Hericium alpestre, Hericium coralloides, Leccinum percandidum, Leucopholiota lignicola, Loweomyces sibirica, Mutinus ravenelii, Pleurotus dryinus. We have explored the territories of Bratsk, Zhigalovsky, Irkutsk, Nizhneudinsky, Kachugsky, Taishetsky, Ust-Ilimsky, Ust-Kutsky, Chunsky administrative districts. Information about the most accurate location of macromycetes is given too. We have argued that there is a need to develop a concept of forest conservation through the protection of rare fungal species, as well as to work on determining the status of rarity and justifying the exclusion of some fungal species from the category of the protected ones. The national forest certification system should include new criteria and indicators for the allocation of specially protected forest areas and buffer zones in places where rare species of macromycetes grow.