Distribution and ecology of stipitate hydnaceous fungi in Norway, with special reference to the question of decline

Since a decline in stipitate hydnaceous fungi has been reported in some parts of Europe, their occurrence in Norway merits consideration. The present study was intended to determine whether decline has taken place in Norway, and to form a basis for future monitoring of a group of organisms which may include important bioindicators of airborne pollution.

Twenty-eight species are recognised in Norway, belonging to the genera Auriscalpium (1), Bankera (2), Hydnellum (10), Hydnum (2), Phellodon (4), and Sarcodon (9). They are most common in eastern parts of Norway, and eutrophic spruce forests are the preferred habitats. Distribution maps and information on habitat preferences for each species are provided. The species are ranged in five groups according to their distributional patterns, occurrence in vegetational regions, and distributions in other parts of Eurasia. Factors regulating the occurrence of the species are discussed for each group.

An evaluation of the frequency of the species through the decades back to 1950 is presented. There is so far no strong evidence for decline of these fungi in Norway. However, there is a statistically significant decrease in observations of the three Hydnellum species: H. aurantiacum, H. peckii, and H. suaveolens.