Guia de macrofungos do município de Santa Helena, Paraná, com ênfase na Área de Relevante Interesse Ecológico (ARIE) de Santa Helena

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis presents a guide to the diversity of macrofungi in Santa Helena, Paraná, Brazil, with emphasis on the Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE) of Santa Helena, popularly known as Biological Refuge. The main objective was to conduct a macrofungi diversity survey in the region, contributing to the knowledge of the local mycota and providing an educational resource for visitors and residents of the municipality. The methodology included collections in specific areas, such as the Biological Refuge and forest fragments near to the UTFPR, following technical recommendations of Peixoto & Maia (2013). A total of 40 taxa of macrofungi (38 species) and 2 representatives of Myxomycota were identified, covering 6 orders and 17 families, and the most representative was Polyporaceae. Microscopic and macroscopic analyses were essential for identification, and a possible new species of Psathyrella was found, whose confirmation depends on molecular analyses. The specimens are under herborization process and those will be deposited in the SHPR Herbarium, increasing the number of fungi in the collection by approximately 70%. The guide aims to be a starting point for recognizing the local fungal diversity, highlighting the importance of fungi in ecosystems and their relevance for conservation. We concluded that our study expands knowledge about the mycota of western Paraná and reinforces the necessity for more research in little explored areas, contributing to the environmental education and biodiversity preservatio