Fungal specimen collection published from National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan

Since its establishment, National Museum of Nature and Science has contributed in elucidation of mycobiota in Japan, and more recently is publishing the specimen data in digital format. Most data are available from GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/), and also available from our website (https://db.kahaku.go.jp/webmuseum_en/search?cls=col_b2_01). In the present study, we analyzed the current status of the fungal specimen collection in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan. As of 18 July, 2023, National Museum of Nature and Science (TNS) provides 82,320 records of fungi (excluding lichens) from Japan to GBIF (Fungal specimens of National Museum of Nature and Science). This is about 30% of all the records of fungi from Japan (280,282) and 40% of the preservation specimen-based record (203,077). The specimens are mostly collected in mainland, but also includes southmost island (Okinotorishima isl. 45.43N in latitude) to northmost island (Rebun island with 20.42N latitude). The majority (70%) of the specimens belongs to Basidiomycota (87% of which belongs to Agaricomycetes), while 28% belongs to Ascomycota. The digitization of the specimens is still on-going business. About 40% of the specimens are identified only to the generic or upper level, and detailed identification of the specimens are required. One of the remarkable features of our collection is Leotiomycetes (37% of the ascomycetous specimens). We have some 4,400 collections of Helotiales, and many of them are cultured, barcode sequenced, and partially preserved in culture collections. For Agaricomycetes, fresh specimens are being photographed and available from the website. Additional information will provide further clue for the identification of the specimen.