Diversity and species composition in macrofungal communities across an urban ecosystem in the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley of Mexico
Date
2026-01-30
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Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Abstract
“Macrofungi are of great relevance to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, but habitat transformation can significantly alter the structure of macrofungal communities. Urbanization is regarded as a major threat to biological diversity; however, knowledge of its impact on macrofungi remains scarce. The present study aimed to assess diversity and distribution patterns of macrofungal species across an urban ecosystem in the Puebla–Tlaxcala Valley of Mexico and determine the effect of urbanization on macrofungal communities. Four oak forests were selected along an urbanization gradient, and sampling areas of 0.1 ha were established at each site. Macrofungi were sampled from June to October 2024, with a total of 296 species recorded. Diversity decreased with increasing urbanization. Species composition shifted across the gradient, with the most urbanized sites showing higher turnover. Urbanization, microclimatic, and vegetation structure variables were associated with the observed patterns in diversity and distribution. The findings highlight the importance of native vegetation, microclimatic buffering, and habitat continuity for sustaining macrofungal communities within urban areas. Integrating fungi into urban biodiversity planning is essential to ensure the maintenance of the key functions they provide”.
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