Mycologists in Blagaj Discover Four Mushroom Species Recorded for the First Time in Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - The Mycology Section of the Blagaj 2024 Scientific Research Camp, which gathered over 40 participants, students, and experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, has achieved an outstanding result by discovering as many as 4 mushroom species recorded for the first time in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These species are Coprotus aurora, Orbilia clavuliformis, Patellariopsis dennisii, and Rutstroemia punicae.

In addition, the locally known but officially unrecorded species Clathrus ruber was also found.

Each of the discovered species has its own special story. Coprotus aurora and Patellariopsis dennisii are extremely rare fungi, known only to a small number of mycologists worldwide. Their discovery in the Blagaj area represents a significant contribution to the global mushroom database and opens the door for further research and understanding of the region's ecosystems.

Rutstroemia punicae is particularly interesting because until now it was known only from the type collection and described as a new species only in 2017. This discovery confirms that the Blagaj area possesses rich and yet unexplored biodiversity.

The species Clathrus ruber, although known to the local population, has never been officially documented in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This discovery not only contributes to the scientific community but also raises awareness about the richness of local fungi, flora, and fauna.

The team of tireless experts and students from the Mycology Section deserves the highest praise for their dedicated work and commitment. Under the guidance of experienced mentor Nihad Omerović, the team managed to research and document these extremely rare and valuable mushroom species. Their work not only contributes to the scientific community but also indicates the justification for the initiative to declare Blagaj a protected natural area.

We remind you that within the immediate research area, there are already 3 national monuments of nature: Vrelo Bune, one of the largest karst springs in Europe, with the nearby Dervish Tekke, forming a unique natural-architectural complex that was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2004. Also located in this area are two other national monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Blagaj Old Town or Stjepan-grad, located on top of a karst hill above the Buna spring, and Zelena pećina (Green Cave), a prehistoric cave settlement in the rock above the Buna spring itself.

The Blagaj Scientific Research Camp is organized in cooperation with the Montenegrin Ecologists Society, the Youth Club UG Fojničani Maglaj, the organization Novi val Blagaj, and the Scientific Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students "Josif Pančić". This collaboration has enabled an interdisciplinary approach and knowledge exchange among experts from various fields.

This phenomenal discovery represents a huge step forward for mycology in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for the preservation of the region's natural heritage. We thank all participants and partners for their support and tireless work, and we look forward to future discoveries and joint endeavors.

The Blagaj Scientific Research Camp is realized by UG Fojničani Maglaj with partners, Youth Club Novi val Blagaj, Montenegrin Ecologists Society/Montenegrin Ecologists Podgorica, Scientific Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students "Josif Pančić" "Josif Pančić" Novi Sad, and the Association of Biology Students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Support for students in the field will also be provided by the Blagaj Sports Climbing Club, and for the research of cave objects by SNIK Atom from Zavidovići.

The Blagaj Scientific Research Camp is one of the activities of the project "Western Balkans Youth for Nature Protection", implemented within the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD 2), financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).