Analyse comparée de la richesse spécifique, de la diversité et de la distribution du genre Russula dans le Parc National Fazao-Malfakassa et la Réserve de Faune d’Alédjo situés dans la zone écologique II du Togo

Abstract

Macromycetes of the genus Russula play a major ecological role in forest ecosystems, but their diversity remains insufficiently documented in Togo's protected areas. In ecological zone II, the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (PNFM) and the Alédjo Wildlife Reserve (RFA) offer habitats that are potentially favourable to these fungi. However, the distribution and ecological differentiation of Russula species in these environments remain poorly understood. This study aims to inventory and compare the specific diversity of Russula in the two protected areas in order to better understand the influence of plant formations on their distribution. Systematic mycological inventories were carried out in the different plant formations, followed by analyses of diversity (Shannon, Simpson) and similarity (flow diagrams, dendrogram). The results reveal 70 species in the PNFM and 80 in the RFA, with a high proportion of shared species but also taxa exclusive to each area. The open forest with Isoberlinia spp. appears to be the dominant habitat of the Russula genus, while the RFA has a more balanced distribution between formations. The analyses also highlight marked ecological affinities between certain formations (notably Isoberlinia and Uapaca) and inter-site variation influenced by edaphic and microclimatic conditions. The PNFM and the RFA are important reservoirs of fungal diversity whose ecological complementarity highlights the need to preserve the mosaic of habitats in order to maintain the mycological richness of the Russula genus.