Diversity and Ecological Distribution of Woody Macrofungi in the Sal (Shorea robusta) Forest Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study documented the diversity and ecological characteristics of woody macrofungi occurring in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forest region of Bangladesh. A total of 21 wood-inhabiting species belonging to multiple families were recorded across six study sites. The dominant genera included Ganoderma, Trametes, Bondarzewia, and Phellinus. These species colonized fallen logs, stumps, branches, decaying trunks, and standing dead trees of Shorea robusta, Mangifera indica, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia auriculiformis, and Tectona grandis. G. lucidum, T. versicolor, D. concentrica, and T. gibbosa were the most frequently encountered taxa, indicating rich lignocellulosic substrate availability in the forest. Diversity analysis revealed that Potka (East), Sreepur exhibited the highest fungal diversity with Simpson’s Diversity Index (D.I.) of 0.917, while Rajendrapur and Modhupur showed comparatively lower diversity (D.I. = 0.833). The findings highlight the major macrofungal species responsible for wood decay and tree-rotting processes in the Salforest region and provide essential baseline information for assessing fungal biodiversity, forest health, and ecosystem functioning.