Checklist of Basidiomycete macrofungi diversity in the Djebel El Ouahch Forest in the Constantine region, northeastern Algeria

This study offers the first systematic checklist of the mycoflora diversity in the Djebel El Ouahch Forest, located in the Constantine region of northeastern Algeria and covering an area of approximately 577 km². Investigations were conducted to document the presence of macrofungal species. Macrofungal species were surveyed based on their macroscopic and ecological characteristics and identified through morphological analysis and comparison with standard taxonomic keys and specialised databases. The results reveal several interesting and uncommon species. A total of 90 fungal species, belonging to 52 genera, 30 families and 8 orders were identified. Saprophytic and mycorrhizal species were more abundant than parasitic fungi. Several rare and ecologically significant species were recorded, including Agaricus litoralis, Tricholoma pseudonictitans, Gloeophyllum abietinum, Coriolopsis gallica, C. trogii, and Trametes pubescens. These findings highlight the contribution of the Djebel El Ouahch Forest’s macrofungal community to the overall fungal biodiversity of the Constantine region. The Constantine region is an important area due to its high macrofungal biodiversity and its significance from a mycological perspective. Given the importance of fungi in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential interactions with plants, further studies should be conducted to expand knowledge of the fungal species present in this region.