Tropicoporus drechsleri

Abstract

Tropicoporus drechsleri is currently known from several sites in Argentina, in the Chaco and SelvaMisionera (Atlantic Forest), and one site in the western part of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, (also in the Atlantic Forest). It is a specific parasite of Cordia americana, and its distribution is expected to match that of its host, ranging between 20°-30° S latitude in South America, from the Atlantic Forest to the east up to the Andean mountains to the west, in the Chaco domain. It is also expected to be found in Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. There are an estimated 400-500 sites throughout its host´s distribution, each potentially containing 10-20 mature individuals. Total population size is estimated at 5,000 to 10,000 mature individuals distributed in one subpopulation. A population size reduction of 10-20% in 70 years (three generations based on the phenology of the host tree) is suspected due to past and ongoing loss of suitable habitat in the Atlantic Forest and Chaco. Tropicoporus drechsleri is classified as Vulnerable.