A fungus species once considered extinct has been recorded in Tavush province

In September 2025, during a routine field expedition carried out by the Biodiversity Group of the Armenian Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center SNCO, the fungus species Battarrea phalloides was recorded in the “Artsvaberd” forestry area. This species is listed in the Red Book of Armenia as Extinct (EX).

Before this registration, the species had only been recorded in 1915, in the floristic region of Lori, near Akhtala, but the herbarium material from that finding has not been preserved.

The newly recorded specimens were collected for further research, with five individual fungi found in the area. This information was reported by the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center.

According to paleobotanical data, Battarrea phalloides is a relict species from the Clay Age, and its primary threat is the destruction of its specific biotopes.