Alisa Neplukhina. Photo: press service of the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the City of Moscow
Scientists take samples and examine the spores under a microscope, their color, shape and size, which is often key to accurate identification.
Specialists from the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEE RAS) and the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) are studying mushrooms in the Moscow part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park. The large-scale study began in 2024 on behalf of the Moscow Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection.
Specialists have begun to count macromycete fungi - those that form large fruiting bodies. Scientists plan to record their appearance over several seasons to create a complete picture of species diversity.
"The mushroom inventory was carried out using the route survey method: having determined the route in advance, the scientists recorded all the mushrooms they encountered. Specimens that could not be identified on the spot were carefully collected in containers, signing the collection location - in the laboratory, they were awaited by microscopic analysis. As a rule, the greatest difficulty is presented by outwardly similar groups of mushrooms: various types of russula, small representatives of the genus Mycena, as well as young fruiting bodies that have not yet developed all the characteristics necessary for accurate identification," shared Galina Butaeva, a research fellow at the Department of Mycology and Algology of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Laboratory research
To identify many types of mushrooms, it is necessary to study external signs and microscopic characteristics. Scientists make microscopic preparations, examining spores, their color, shape and size under a microscope, which is often key to accurate identification.
Research continues in laboratory conditions. This is the most important stage of the work, where specialists study the finest structures of mushrooms using optics, microscopes, stereomicroscopes and special reagents.
Recent finds include many members of the Russulaceae family. Representatives of the Boletus (porcini mushrooms) and Cantharellus (chanterelles) genera have also been discovered. However, some species that are actively fruiting now may not be found next season.
From the first finds to systematic accounting
Thanks to the first stage of the study, specialists compiled preliminary lists of species, including both widespread and rare specimens.
“Last year, five species of mushrooms listed in the Red Book of Moscow were recorded, and two of them — the bulgaria inquinans and the violet webcap — were discovered for the first time in the urban part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park,” said Alisa Neplukhina, PhD in Biology, research fellow at the IEE RAS.
The main task is not only to census the mushroom diversity, but also to carefully monitor the endangered and vulnerable species. During the period of active growth of fruiting bodies, scientists carefully study forest areas, recording the places where rare species grow.
Importance of the study
Fungi play a key role in the ecosystem: they participate in the decomposition of organic matter, form a symbiosis with trees and serve as an indicator of the state of the forest. Interim data show a rich species diversity in the Moscow part of Losiny Ostrov Park. Full results will appear after the autumn surveys are completed.
The capital's Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection reminds that picking mushrooms in specially protected natural areas is not permitted. According to Article 4.20 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses, a fine of three thousand rubles is assigned for the illegal collection or trade of plants and animals listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.
