Turbinellus kauffmanii

Species Fungorum (2018) transfers Gomphus kauffmanii to Turbinellus kauffmanii.

Gomphus kauffmanii is an ectomycorrhizal fungus dependent upon the health of its symbiotic partner/s (Abies, Tsuga). It has a disjunct distribution in North America. The number of extant occurrences outside the northern spotted owl region of the U.S. is not known but it is believed to be infrequent to rare. In CA, OR, and WA there are 54 known occurrences, of which at least 24 are now believed extant. In those states, 23-30 occurrences (including those sampled from 1900-1994) lie in currently protected forest reserves. Its unknown biology precludes estimation of population size, area of occupancy, and long-term trends. Extant populations are presumed stable. Unprotected occurrences will be threatened by road construction & development and clearcutting or heavy thinning. All occurrences are imperiled by hot fires.

A North American endemic with a bi-coastal disjunct distribution, Gomphus kauffmanii is known from BC, WA, ID, OR, CA, NV, AZ in the west and from Connecticut, North Carolina, and Tennessee in the east. (Petersen 1971; Thiers 1985; MICH 11-23-02; ISMS Database 2002 and GIS map for GOKA).

The number of occurrences outside the northern spotted owl region of the United States is not known, although it appears that everywhere Gomphus kauffmanii is uncommon to rare. Within the Pacific Northwest spotted owl region, there are ~54 occurrences represented byat least ~70 collections from California, Oregon, and Washington. Continued fungal surveys may uncover more sites, particularly in Washington where only pre-1996 data are available. (Dreisbach et al 2002; ISMS-ONH 2002)

Gomphus kauffmanii is thought to occur more frequently in late-successional old-growth than in younger forests, but this inference has not been statistically demonstrated, due to the lack of insufficient data. It is thought to associate mycorrhizally with Abies and Tsuga. Whatever threatens its habitat and symbiotic partners will threaten Gomphus kauffmanii. All populations are at risk to incidental catastrophic events (wildfire) and unmonitored human interference. Unprotected populations are at risk to road construction or other development, and heavy logging (i.e. clean/or clearcutting or heavy thinning). (Norvell pers comm 2002).