Prediction of Potential Distribution of Cortinarius sinensis Based on Maxent Model and the Conservational Strategy Based on Flavor Evaluation

Cortinarius sinensis is deeply loved by people in northwest China for its taste and nutrition, but its wild resources decline due to over - picking, climate change, and trade demands. First, this study used the MaxEnt model to predict its suitable habitats. Results show that currently, the optimal and highly suitable habitats are around the Helan and Qilian Mountains. Future climate will keep the distribution trend but reduce the area. Then the nutritional components of the fruitbodies collected from the Qilian Mountains and the Helan Mountains, the two main producing areas of C. sinensis, were measured. It was found that C. sinensis from the Helan Mountains has higher protein, fat, and crude - fiber contents but lower free - amino - acid content than those from the Qilian Mountains, leading to flavor differences. The research results can not only provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of protected areas and in - situ conservation of C. sinensis, but also suggest that when formulating conservation strategies, we should combine regional dietary preferences on the basis of current conservation biology to develop comprehensive conservation strategies.