Species diversity of mushroom at R.E.A.C.H Biodiversity Centre, Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Research on mushroom is common in Europe, China and Japan. However, not much research had been carried out to identify the diversity and distribution of mushroom especially in Malaysia. Thus, a study on mushroom diversity and distribution patterns was conducted at R.E.A.C.H Biodiversity Centre, Cameron Highlands, and Pahang. Data was collected based on three different altitudes, which is the lower part (1700m-1800m), the middle part (l800m-l900m) and the higher part (l900m-2000m). Mushroom samples were collected along the nature trail. Location for each sample was recorded using Global Positioning System and map for species mushroom distribution was provided using ArcGIS Software. Shannon Diversity Index was used to analyze the species diversity of mushroom at R.E.A.C.H, while Sorensen’s Similarity was used to analyze species similarities of mushroom. Based on the data collected, R.E.A.C.H Biodiversity Centre has high mushroom species diversity. At the same time, the middle part of R.E.A.C.H has shared more mushroom species similarities with the higher part of R.E.A.C.H. Overall, 14 families of mushroom and 28 species of mushroom identified at R.E.A.C.H. Polyporaceae, Tricholomataceae and Hygrophoraceae were identified to be the representative of mushroom’s families at R.E.A.C.H. Those mushrooms families were found more frequently compared to other mushroom families. Lack of information on mushroom diversity causes it to be difficult to compare the species diversity of mushroom at R.E.A.C.H, with other places in Malaysia. However, this study had contributed 34.78% of information from the previous study of mushroom species diversity made in Cameron Highlands. Therefore, the conservation of R.E.A.C.H Biodiversity Centre, Cameron Highlands is crucial in order to protect this mushroom diversity from being affected by anthropogenic activities.