DISTRIBUTION OF THE STEPPE MOREL MORCHELLA STEPPICOLA (MORCHELLACEAE, PEZIZALES) IN KAZAKHSTAN

This article presents new data on the modern distribution of the steppe morel (Morchella steppicola Zerova) in Kazakhstan. Historically, the species was considered extremely rare due to fragmented mycological research and its brief spring fruiting period, which previously served as formal grounds for its inclusion in the national Red Data Book. Drawing on the author’s long-term field observations (2009–2024), survey data from local residents, and verified records from global biodiversity platforms (GBIF, iNaturalist), we summarize information on 21 confirmed localities of the fungus. The geography of the findings covers the foothill and steppe zones of the Turkestan, Zhambyl, Almaty, and Zhetysu regions. An updated distribution map was compiled, demonstrating that M. steppicola occupies a broad and nearly continuous range along the northern foothills of the Tien Shan. The study shows that locally the species is quite common, possesses high ecological plasticity, and exhibits mass fruiting during years with favorable precipitation. Its tolerance to centuries-old moderate livestock grazing in steppe biotopes is particularly noted. Based on the obtained results and similar international experience, we argue that the existing conservation system for this taxon is ineffective and unjustified. We strongly recommend removing the steppe morel from the list of protected objects in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan.

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