 | Every summer, Himalayan villages empty as locals rush to the mountains of northern Nepal to harvest yarchagumba, a high-altitude wild fungus that is highly prized for its aphrodisiac qualities. In recent years, however, the yield has been severely depleted by over-picking and the probable effects of climate change. Last season's crop was particularly poor, say villagers who rely on the rare, parasitic fungus to earn money to feed their families. |
 |
 Ophiocordyceps sinensis | There are over 680 species of the sac fungus genus Ophiocordyceps. One of the best known is Ophiocordyceps sinensis, known as caterpillar fungus. The fungus is known in Tibetan as yartsa gunbu or yatsa gunbu. Caterpillar fungi are the result of a parasitic relationship between the fungus and the larva of the ghost moth genus Thitarodes, several species of which live on the Tibetan Plateau. The fungus germinates in living organisms (in some cases larvae), kills and mummifies the insect, and then the fungus grows from the body of the insect. |  |
 | Yarchagumba is under severe threat in its natural habitat due to excessive and premature harvesting to meet growing Chinese demand and prices, warns a study. The species is found in the high mountains of China, Nepal, India and Bhutan. |  |
 | There has been a significant decline in annual harvest of Yarchagumba due to unsustainable harvesting practices. Reports suggest 2016 was the poorest harvest ever, despite high and ever rising prices. |  |
| Yarchagumba harvesting is virtually the only source of income, leading to excessive harvesting to meet the increasing demand in the international market. This livelihood is severely threatened by rapid habitat degradation. The harvesting pressure is so intense that there is virtually no habitat left untouched by the harvesters by the end of the harvesting season.
|
