Last Stand for the Body Snatcher of the Himalayas?

Stone, Richard E.

doi:10.1126/science.322.5905.1182

Cited by 63 publications

(48 citation statements)

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“…They are distributed in alpine regions of the Tibetan Plateau between 3000 and 5000 m as around the snow line and O. sinensis has an OGT at 15–18°C, but it can also survive at the temperature lower than −40°C in winter. Diverse bioactive ingredients and extensive medicinal effects (Chen et al 2010; Lo et al 2013) of Chinese cordyceps have been found and they have been applied to treat a variety of ailments including cancer, impotence and fatigue (Stone 2008). Owing to the medicinal, economic, social and ecological importance, and the limited distribution mainly in China, O. sinensis had been nominated as the national fungus of China (Zhang et al 2012).…”

Section: Representative Cold-adapted Fungal Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living strategy of cold-adapted fungi with the reference to several representative species

et al. 2017

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Our planet is dominant with cold environments that harbour enormously diverse cold-adapted fungi comprising representatives of all phyla. Investigation based on culture-dependent and independent methods has demonstrated that cold-adapted fungi are cosmopolitan and occur in diverse habitants and substrates. They live as saprobes, symbionts, plant and animal parasites and pathogens to perform crucial functions in different ecosystems. Pseudogymnoascus destructans caused bat white-nose syndrome and Ophiocordyceps sinensis as Chinese medicine are the representative species that have significantly ecological and economic significance. Adaptation to cold niches has made this group of fungi a fascinating resource for the discovery of novel enzymes and secondary metabolites for biotechnological and pharmaceutical uses. This review provides the current understanding of living strategy and ecological functions of cold-adapted fungi, with particular emphasis on how those fungi overcome the extreme low temperature and perform their ecological function.

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Section: Representative Cold-adapted Fungal Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living strategy of cold-adapted fungi with the reference to several representative species

et al. 2017

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“…A "factory-farming" approach would have devastating consequences on local livelihoods, although if it was possible to develop small-scale, low-impact farming enterprises in the natural habitat, these might provide better long-term environmental protection for the high Himalayan grassland ecosystems. "Seeding" of Ophiocordyceps habitats with Thitarodes eggs has been attempted, though results have not been publicized (Stone 2008); this approach could increase population density without causing environmental or socioeconomic damage.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Steps towards sustainable harvest of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Bhutan

et al. 2009

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The insect-pathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (better known as Cordyceps sinensis) is harvested over much of the Himalayan plateau as a highly prized remedy in traditional Oriental medicine. Over the past 10 years its financial value has increased dramatically, with collectors paid as much as US $12,500 kg −1 for top-quality material. This is causing significant distortion to local economies, and there is widespread concern that the current rate of collection is unsustainable. This paper introduces the fungus and its insect hosts, documents some of the biological and social constraints to achieving sustainability, describes the socioeconomic climate within which harvest and sale occurs in Bhutan, and details the measures put in place by the Royal Government of Bhutan to promote wise management of this valuable natural resource.

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“…Cordyceps, a resource of immense commercial value, runs the risk of over-exploitation and the issue of sustainability looms large (Winkler 2013). Reports from some parts of the Cordyceps growing region in China indicate a sharp decline in Cordyceps production due to over-harvesting (Stone 2008;Winkler 2013). Winkler (2013) fears that the overly intense collection could lead to extinction of the Cordyceps resource.…”

Section: Farming Preference and Future Of Yak Farmingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mountain pastoralism in transition: Consequences of legalizing Cordyceps collection on yak farming practices in Bhutan

Wangchuk

Wangdi

2015

Pastoralism

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Yak farming is the main livelihood source for the high altitude communities in the eastern Himalaya. With increasing access to modern facilities, market opportunities and changes in the legal framework, pastoral systems in the Himalaya are undergoing an unprecedented change. Questionnaire-based qualitative surveys were conducted in five villages of northern Bhutan, to understand how the recent changes in the legal framework for Cordyceps (known as caterpillar fungus) collection have caused specific changes in yak farming practices. Survey results revealed that women were increasingly involved in yak husbandry and household work, after the legalization of Cordyceps collection in 2004. After legalization, the Cordyceps business overtook yak farming as the main income-earning activity. Post-legalization saw a decline in the overall grassland condition and most herders migrated a month earlier to the summer grazing land. Legalization also led to increase in the number of households buying commercial feeds for yaks. Yak mortality increased and fodder scarcity became more acute, which is a major constraint to yak farming. Despite the good income from the Cordyceps business, yak farming was the preferred earning activity over Cordyceps due to herders' confidence in yak farming as a reliable source of livelihood. Of several measures proposed by yak herders to improve yak farming, increasing grassland productivity and providing subsidies for feed purchases were the most important measures. The study concluded that yak farming practices have undergone a few positive but more undesirable changes after the legalization of Cordyceps collection in 2004. The results suggest multi-disciplinary approaches to address adequately the emerging issues of yak farming e.g. introducing schemes to make yak farming attractive to the mountain youth. The paper suggests interventions to strengthen yak farming and help herders make informed choices in the high altitude rangelands of Bhutan. Essentially, yak farming is at a crossroads where a firm decision is needed to either encourage and strengthen the farming practices or witness the gradual extinction of the age-old tradition.

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Last Stand for the Body Snatcher of the Himalayas?

Cited by 63 publications

References 0 publications

Living strategy of cold-adapted fungi with the reference to several representative species

Living strategy of cold-adapted fungi with the reference to several representative species

Steps towards sustainable harvest of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Bhutan

Mountain pastoralism in transition: Consequences of legalizing Cordyceps collection on yak farming practices in Bhutan

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