Fungal diversity of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park – indicator species of nature value and conservation

The UNESCO World Natural Heritage national park Kellerwald-Edersee in Germany was investigated during 10 years for its macromycetes. 613 species have been recorded totally. 31 threatened species are listed on the German red list of fungi. 27 species of interest according to the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), 10 species with nature value on a German scale and 5 species of nature value on a European scope have been detected. Compared to other national parks included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage "Ancient Beech Forests of Germany" and the "Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians" the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park has fewer tree species on poor soils thus exhibiting lower species numbers. Based on old tree stands and relict primeval forest fragments the forest ecosystem of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park will develop to near naturalness within a few decades.