Abstract
A remarkable increase in knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Italy has occurred in the last five years. The authors report up-to-date numbers of fungi (Basidiomycota and Ascomycota) by regions together with distributional and ecological data on hypogeous fungi. Specific case studies such as alpine fungi, orchid mycorrhizas symbionts, invasive species, and the use of macrofungi as food by red squirrels are analyzed. In situ conservation strategies carried out on target species and/or taxonomic groups are also indicated.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr. David Minter (UK) for his help with linguistic revision and E. Roca, M. Contu, D. Antonini, M. Antonini and D. Puntillo for providing regional data.