Macro-fungi Community of Lake Ol Bolossat Basin and Associated Riparian Ecosystems in Central, Kenya

Abstract

Lake OlBolossat, an important wetland in Central Kenya highland currently threatened by anthropogenic activities. In order to conserve biodiversity in this Lake Ecosystem and associated habitats understanding abundance and diversity of different taxa is needed. This study documented macro-fungi diversity of Lake Ol Bolossat basin and its associated riparian ecosystems. The survey revealed 35 macrofungi species distributed across 21 families. Species in family Polyporaceae and Agaricaceae (mainly the puffball) dominated the Lake ecosystems. Woodrotters species (50%) dominated the ecosystem followed by ectomycorrhiza (17%) and cow-dung dwellers (15%). Termite cultivated species and soil dwellers had the lowest representation (9%). Macro-fungi density, species richness and diversity was significantly low in natural grassland and forest remnants compared to introduced and exotic woodlots. Only three species of macrofungi (<i>Termitomyces microcarpus</i>, <i>Ramariopsis kunzei</i> and <i>Datronia mollis</i>) were documented in natural forests remnants. Natural grassland around the lake was mainly dominated by <i>Termitomyces, Lycoperdon</i>, <i>Panaeolus</i> (cowdung), <i>Psilocybe</i> and <i>Agrocybe</i> species (cowdung). Ectomycorrhiza species (<i>Laccaria bicolor, Pisolithus arrhizus, Suillus granulatus, Scleroderma citrinum</i>) dominated introduced and exotic <i>Eucalyptus, Pinus </i>and<i> Acacia mearnsii</i> plantation. This study has revealed wide range of macro-fungi community in Lake Ol Bolossat basin, and adverse effect of degradation on native macro-fungi community. The negative implication of losing macrofungi diversity along Lake OlBolossat ecosystem is discussed.