How do log characteristics influence the occurrence of wood fungi in a mountain spruce forest?

The occurrence of fungal sporocarps on logs was surveyed in an old-growth mountain spruce forest in the Bohemian Forest, Central Europe. Each log was characterised by a number of variables describing its size, stage of decay, attached lichens, bryophytes and saplings, surrounding vegetation, the assumed cause of tree death and the way the log fell down. These characteristics were used as explanatory variables in ordination analyses. The major change in species assemblages occurred with the progression in wood decay, but the composition of fungi was also associated with other variables, including the cause of tree death. Red-listed species were found mostly on logs in the middle to late stages of decay, originating from trees that died due to various causes. White rot fungi were more abundant than brown rot fungi in later decay stages.