Macromycetes Under Pressure: Diversity and Species Composition Across an Urbanization Gradient in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley of Mexico.

Macromycetes are of great relevance to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, but habitat transformation can significantly alter the structure of macrofungal communities. Urbanization is regarded as a major threat to biological diversity; however, knowledge of its impact on macromycetes remains scarce. The present study aimed to assess diversity and distribution patterns of macrofungal species across an urbanization gradient in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley of Mexico and determine the effect of urbanization on macromycete communities. From May to October 2024, macromycetes were collected in four oak forests. Fungal specimens were classified based on their macromorphological and micromorphological characteristics. Topographic (1), microclimatic (4), vegetation structure (5), environmental (2), and urbanization (4) variables were included in the analyses. A total of 296 macrofungal species were recorded. Diversity has been shown to decline with increasing urbanization. Species composition shifted across the gradient, with the most urbanized sites showing higher turnover. The interplay of microclimate, vegetation structure, and urbanization was a key driver of the observed patterns, underscoring the sensitivity of macromycetes to urban environmental change. The findings highlight the importance of microclimatic buffering and habitat continuity for sustaining macrofungal communities within urban areas.