Rade Gašić’s scientific contributions

In order to create a preliminary check-list of fungal species in the territory of the “Orjen” Nature park, during 2019, a more comprehensive mycological field research and inventory study have been conducted. In total, four field researches have been organized in different periods of the year (February, May, June and October). Among all findings 69 species of fungi from the phylum Ascomycota have been recorded. Herein the authors present preliminary list of those fungi with special emphasis on some of the most important ones with data about their morphology, ecology, distribution pattern and conservation guidelines included. Out of all recorded species, the most numbered are the representatives from the families Pyronemataceae (15 species) and Helvellaceae (7 species) while Helvella (7 species) and Peziza (4 species) are the most numbered genera. Solid number of species, like Arachnopeziza obtusipila, Flammocladiella decora, Bryoscyphus rhytidiadelphi, Lasiobelonium belanense, Pseudombrophila ripensis represent novelties for the mycobiota of Bosnia and Herzegovina and some of these species are quite rare and have scattered populations worldwide. The results gained from this study clearly indicates that the territory of the “Orjen” Nature park is one of the most important fungal diversity hot-spot in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. This courageous conclusion is in accordance with all previously closely related conducted biological studies which have valorised natural values of the Mt. Orjen before. Still, preliminary check-list of ascomycetous fungi presented within this study should be considered just as a partial projection of total mycobiota diversity in this area. That is why the continuation of the mycological research in this area together with closely organized fungal diversity monitoring process are one of the top priorities among the all upcoming activities which should be undertaken by the relevant authorities in the near future.

The book gives a review of IFA - Important Fungus Area paradigm. Its concept and methodology are upgraded, mainly considering the evaluation principles and criteria for system to become better tailored for mycobiota and its specificities. The enhanced and systemically defined IFA system and its procedures are explained, tested, and applied to the whole territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina relying on newly created database including the assessed species with bioindicator values. They are a result of a preceding intensive and long-term inventory of ascomycetous fungi and its habitats conducted by the authors in a number of localities on a national scale. The main goal of a redefined presented IFA system is to achieve more objective and systematic solutions in nature conservation, primarily focusing on objective assessment on endangered fungi as well as on bio-indicated valuable and/or endangered habitat types, but also to position the conservation of fungi as a functional part of a general nature conservation system. The system is proposed as a practical model also for other countries with comparable situation. According to the presented enhanced IFA system, three new IFA areas are determined, while all previously defined areas are either confirmed or widened in this study. The present IFA system spatially and functionally consists of nine defined standardised areas, representing the whole palette of bioclimatic zones from meso-Mediterranean area to the alpine and continental-montane zone of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Continental peri-Pannonic and colline zones are not evaluated. A review of each IFA area is given by its geographical position and extent, its geological and bioclimatic features as well as its vegetation. A brief history of conservation of each IFA area (if any previously conducted) is given and its bio-indicated values in terms of necessities of conservation are provided on the basis of the IFA's habitat type(s) quality, rarity, endangerment and its importance for fungi. The endangered habitat types as well as flora, fauna, and mycobiota known to the authors are enumerated for each IFA. In total, 42 most important recorded ascomycetous species (endangered and/or rare as well as bio-indicative species) are presented at the end of each IFA chapter by macro- and micro-photographs, short description of distinctive morphological and ecological features, and data relevant for nature conservation. The IUCN status for each species with corresponding criteria is included. To better depict biodiversity, more than 100 additional species are also illustrated. One new combination (Hydnocystis colomboi) is proposed, while 67 species are reported as new to mycobiota of Bosnia and Herzegovina.