Rare Fungal Species Found in Kawal Tiger Reserve

 Adilabad: A rare fungal species named shuttlecock mushroom was found in Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana.

Venkatesh Anagandhula, a regional coordinator of Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, made the significant discovery during his study on the fungal diversity of the Kawal Tiger Reserve.

The survey aimed to document the reserve's rich mycological biodiversity and revealed numerous fungal species thriving in its varied ecosystem.

The rare and noteworthy fungus, Clathrus Delicatus, the scientific name of the shuttlecock mushroom (first identified by Berkely and Broom in 1875) from Kadam range of Nirmal district was identified.

Venkatesh told Deccan Chronicle that the identification of the species was of substantial academic and ecological importance as Clathrus Delicatus was previously believed to be restricted to Western Ghats and western regions of the Indian sub- continent.

“The identification of this species in the Kawal Tiger Reserve marks the first confirmed record of its occurrence in Eastern Ghats expanding its known geographical distribution,” Venkatesh said.

He said there is a need for further research on the rare fungus to classify whether it is edible or has medical qualities and added that already there are nearly 30 fungus plants in Kawal Tiger Reserve.

Venkatesh said he found the species during his tour to Mattinuthi area near Gangapur in Kadam Forest Range in September and October and added that the discovery challenges earlier assumptions regarding the habitat preferences and range of this rare fungal species and highlights the ecological uniqueness of Eastern Ghats.

The presence of ‘Clathrus Delicatus’ in Telangana underlines the need for a further systemic survey of fungal diversity across India’s underexplored regions.

The revelation not only enriches the biodiversity inventory of the Kawal Tiger Reserve but also emphasises its importance as a critical conservation area for the lesser-known fungal species in India.