Threats
Sarcodon leucopus has minute population, and its distribution is restricted to a very small area. In keeping with the databases of the State Statistics Office (2018), тhe Southwest Region and Polog Region, where the species has been recorded, faced a perpetual decline in the area under Scots pine in the 2010-2018 period (State Statistical Office 2018). Data on quality of the stands is not available (State Statistics Office 2018). According to Houston Durrant et al. (2016), a decline of forest areas under Pinus sylvestris in the southern parts of Europe is expected under conditions of a warming climate. Maintaining healthy forest stands of Pinus sylvestris is essential. Nevertheless, diseases of this ectomycorrhizal partner have been reported. One of the most serious threats is bark beetle species, specifically, Ips sexdentatus Börner, Ips acuminatus Gyllenhal, Blastophagus minor Hartig, Blastophagus piniperda Linnaeus, and Ips mansfeldii Wach. recognized as pests causing drying out of the wood (DPRS 2019). Pathogen fungi causing colour change of needles, which eventually droop and drop to the ground (Lophodermium seditiosum Minter, Staley & Millar and Lophodermium pinastri (Scrad. ex Hook.) Chév), or drying out of pine branches (Cenangium ferruginosum Fr.) have also been reported (DPRS 2019). The species is under threat of fires since in this type of habitat fires are common. It is also threatened by air pollution due to the high sensitivity of the fungus to nitrogen deposition (Arnolds 1989, Arnolds 2003). Habitat degradation and loss as a result of logging and infrastructure development pose the highest threat.