Assessment of Mushroom (Macrofungi) Diversity in the Forest Reserve of Stubbs Creek, Akwa Ibom State

Macrofungi (mushrooms) are ecologically important decomposers, mycorrhizal associates, and food sources in Nigerian forest ecosystems, yet their diversity in Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria, has not been documented. This study assessed the species diversity, abundance, and substrate associations of macrofungi in Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve across three habitat types: primary forest interior, secondary forest, and forest edge. Monthly surveys were conducted over five months. All macrofungal fruiting bodies encountered along systematically placed belt transects (100m x 2m) were identified, counted, and photographed. Substrate type (dead wood, soil, leaf litter, or living host) and macrofungal ecological guild (saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, or parasitic) were recorded. Voucher specimens were dried and submitted to the University of Uyo Herbarium. A total of 69 macrofungal species from 34 families were documented. Primary forest interior had the highest species richness (51 species) and diversity (H' = 3.42). Saprotrophic species on decaying wood were the most abundant guild (58% of all records). Termitomyces species were the most commonly encountered edible macrofungi (7 species). Four species morphologically consistent with previously unreported taxa were collected and submitted for molecular confirmation. Edible species constituted 38% of the total, with significant food-security implications for local communities. The study recommends macrofungal diversity assessment as an indicator of forest ecosystem health in Akwa Ibom State protected areas.

Keywords: macrofungi, mushroom diversity, forest reserve, Stubbs Creek, Akwa Ibom State