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Pleurotus nebrodensis, commonly known as Funcia di basilicu is a fungus that was declared by the IUCN, as critically endangered in 2005. This fungus only grows on limestone in northern Sicily. The characteristics of this mushroom are: it's creamy white to yellow color, it's diameter of between 5-20cm, and by its extremely angled gills, and when the mushroom is mature the cap surface breaks apart.

Reason For Decline:
The first record of Pleurotus nebrodensis was in 1863, and it was described as 'the most delicious mushroom of the Silican mycological flora' (Giuseppe Inzenga). This was widely agreed upon, which has lead to widespread cultivation, by proffessionals and amateurs. One reason it was classified as critically endangered, is because it is found only in a 100km squared area, and the population has become fractured. In addition there aren't as many mature fungi, and it is losing its natural habitat. An additional reason for decline is the cultivators are now taking unripe individuals, which has lead to species decline. It is currently estimated that only 250 Pleurotus nebrodensis reach maturity every year.

Conservation Efforts:
Currently there are no laws to protect Pleurotus nebrodensis. Even in protected areas there hasn't been a ban on unripe picking, but there has been a draft up that could has not been approved. This draft proposes protecting all ages of the Pleurotus nebrodensis in one part of Madonie Park, a sanctuary, while in another section of the park it will protect any non-mature mushroom. In addition to this, this fungi is being grown, like a crop, to reduce the strain on the wild population.