Nepal Himalayas

New Methods and Techniques in Ecology and Evolution- Easy Tools for Data Analysis

2013-06-14T06:19:00.003-07:00

PhD bites!!

What a funny joke!!

Oh! So many datas! how to solve the problems?

How to manage the datas?

How to analyze all and how to prepare scientific papers for ISI Journals? so many questions in a single mind and have to find solutions...

I got bit relief, after finding so many ideas related with new software, equipment, tools with new advances.

These application papers are really useful for all the researchers who are particularly focusing their priorities on ecology and evolution.

Please find a link below

http://www.methodsinecologyandevolution.org/view/0/applicationpapers.html

...and don't forget to share your experience.

Good Luck and have nice surfing and playing with the datas..

च्याउ कस्तो खाने, कस्तो नखाने ?

2012-08-02T20:09:00.004-07:00

A women showing poisonous mushrooms

Amanita longistrata in Srinagar Hill, Palpa,

Western District, Nepal _10 people were

died after eating this mushrooms in

July 2005. Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2005)

Mushrooms poisoning is a serious problem in Nepal. Annually around 50 people are losing their life and hundreds of collectors are being poisoned. Undocumented poisoning cases are even higher.

This article which was published in SADHANA HEALTH magazine (2009) on mushrooms poisoning, common methods of identifying poisonous mushrooms and some preventive and curative measures is somehow informative to prevent poisoning in present days context as well.

A children collecting mushrooms (Lactarius thakalorum)
edible and locally praised at Lete village, Mustang,
Nepal_Photo by Shiva Devkota (2005)

More photographs related with the mushrooms poisoning in Nepal will be posted later.

If you want to know in details about wild mushrooms of Nepal, Ethnomycology, Domestication of wild mushrooms, Caterpillar mushrooms (Ophiocordyceps sinensis / Yarsagumba, Truffels and other aspects of mushrooms in Nepal Himalayas please feel free to contact me shivadevkota12@yahoo.com

Rofp M s:tf] vfg], s:tf] gvfg]<

lzj b]jsf]6f

shivadevkota12@yahoo.com

Local selling wild mushroomsTermitomyces sp in Bardiya,
Nearby Chisapani bridge, Western Nepal
Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2011)

Ramaria sp ready to cook_Collection from Sundarijal,
Nearby Kathmandu, Nepal
Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2007)

c;f/ kGw|sf] wfg/f]Kg] r6f/f]df h'6b} u/]sf] kfFry/ hLNnf n'Dkmfj'Ë uflj;sf] nfjtL] kl/jf/ oltv]/ 7'nf] zf]sdf 8'j]sf] 5 . c;f/ P3f/ ut] glhs}sf] h+Ënjf6 l6k]/ NofPsf] Rofp c1fgtfjz vfg x'g] ;Ddm]/ vfPkl5 kl/jf/sf ;b:ox?dWo] rf/ hgfsf] d[To' eof] eg] ;f9] tLgjif{sf] gftL / 5lJj; jlif{o v8s ;'Gb/ jLkL c:ktfn w/fgdf 56k6fO{/x]sf 5g . kfFry/sf] nfjtL] kl/jf/dfq geO{ wgs'6f t]lnof uflj;sf tfdf'Ë kl/jf/sf cj:yf klg p:t} 5 . ljiffn' Rofp vfPkl5 Ps}kl/jf/sf k};¶L jlif{o km'ndfof tfdfË / k}rfln; jlif{o cd[tdfof tfdfËn] olx c;f/ rf}lj;df Hofg u'dfP eg] cd[tdfofsf cjf]w P3f/ jlif{o 5f]/L / bz jlif{o 5f]/f lj/fdL k/]sf 5g . g]kfndf dfq geO{ Oltxf;sf 7'nf b'3{6gfx?df kf]k l/lSnd]G6 ;ftf}+, km|fG;sf /fhf rfN;{ 5}6f}+ / /f]dg ;d|f6 Snfpl8; ;];/sf] d[To' ljiffSt Rofpsf] ;]jgjf6 ePsf] xf] eGg] egfO{ kfO{G5 .

It is always wise to eat known and edible mushrooms_
Wild mushrooms (Ramaria, Gomphus, Hydnum and Russula)
ready to taste at Local Hotel, Langtang National Park
Photo by Shiva Devkota (2008)

g]kfnsf] ;Gbe{df h+unL Rofpsf] ;]jgjf6 k'u]sf 7"nf Ifltx?sf] cflwsfl/s ljj/0f kfO{b}g\ . h+unL Rofpsf] jl9 k|of]u b'u{d jl:tx?df x'g] x‘'bf lj/fdL / d[To"sf ;j} vj/x? k|fKt gePsf x'g ;S5g\ . oL 36gfx? K|fltlgwL 36gfx? Dffq x'g / jiff{t;dodf g]kfndf k|To]s jif{ cf};t rfln; b]lv krf; hgf;Ddsf] Hofg uPsf] cg'dfg ug{ ;lsG5 . “ljiffn' Rofpsf] ;]jgjf6 Ps} kl/jf/sf olt hgfsf] d[To'” eGg] ;dfrf/ jf/Djf/ klqsfx?df cfO{/xG5g .

Ophiocordyceps sinensis_A caterpillar fungus
(In Nepali Yarsagumba, Kira, Buti, Chyau Kira)
Collected nearby Kyanzin, Langtang, Nepal
Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2008)

g]kfnL ;dfhdf Rofpsf] pkef]u ug]{ d'Vo /}yfg] hfltx?df tfdfª, g]jf/, z]kf{, ef]6], u'?·, /fO{, lnDj", ysfnL, bg'jf/, r]kfË / yf? x'g\ . g]kfndf kfO{g] Ps xhf/eGbf j9L hFunL Rofpsf k|hftLx?dWo] nueu b'O{;o c¶fO{; k|hftLdfq vfg of]Uo dflgG5g . vfgof]Uo / ljiffn' Rofp 5'6\ofpg] tl/sfx? cfkm}df h6Ln 5g\ . o:t} Rofp vfg x'G5 eg]/ ls6fgLsf ;fy eGg g;lsg] jt{dfg cj:yfdf k/Dk/fut 1fg / To;;+u hf]l8Psf df}lns wf/0ffx?g} klxrfgsf cfwf/x? x'g\ .

s:tf vfg]< s:tf gvfg]<

d]/f] ljut ;ft jif{sf] cg';Gwfgsf] cg'ejsf] cfwf/df s] s'/f k|i6 ePsf] 5 eg], w]/} h;f] Rofp dg k/fpg] / jiff{tsf] ;dodf h+unL Rofpsf] ;Fsng ug]{ ;Fsngstf{x?df vfg of]Uo Rofp lrGg] pgLx?sf cfkg} cg'ejx? 5g, h'g 7fFp ljif]zn] / ;d'bfo cg';f/ km/s km/s 5g . rLtjgsf r]kfËhftL x'g jf d':tfËsf ysfnL hftL ;j}sf cfkmg} 5'§f5'§} df}lns wf/0ffx? / t/Lsfx? 5g .

Russula species (Edible) collected nearby Annapurna Base
Camp, Nepal. Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2009)

;du|df g]kfnsf] ;Gbe{df x]g]{ xf] eg], ufO{j:t'n] 3f‘; vfg x'g] ?vx?df pd|]sf / ld7f] jf:gfbf/o'St Rofpx? vfgsf] nflu pko'St dflgG5g . lo nufot Rofpsf] 5ftfsf] kftnf] kq ;lhn} plSsg] x'g'sf] ;fy} 8f‘7df cf}7L jf sf‘hf] h:tf] ePsf / 8f‘7 ;lhn} r'‘8fpg ;l'sg] Rofpx? klg vfgsf] nflu ;sng ug]{ ul/G5 . sltko cj:yfdf sldnf, ld+mËf, d';f, nf]vs]{, lj/fnf] h:tf hgfj/x? Rofpdfly j:g] / ltgLx?n] klg Tof] Rofp vfg] u/]sf] kfO{Pdf pSt Rofpx? vfgsf] nflu of]Uo dflgG5g . tfdfË ;d'bfox? sltko Rofpx? l6k]/ b'O{ – tLg lbg ;Dd 3fddf ;'sfPdf vfg x'G5 eGg] ljZjf; /fVb5g .

Amanita concentrica _A poisonous
mushrooms collected from
Lumle, Kaskti
Photo by Shiva Devkota (2004)

Amanita sp_A Poisonous mushrooms
collected in Kanchenjunga _Ghunsa
valley. Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2012)

ljiffn' Rofp lrGg] cfwf/x? klg olx Gf} x'g eg]/ eGg t h6Ln 5, t/ klg Gfld7f] uGw / lttf] :jfb ePsf / k|fo h;f] df6f]df clg uf]j/df pd|]sf Hofb} /ftf, ;]tf, kx]nf, sfnf /Ësf Rofpx? vfgsf] nflu /fd|f dflgb}gg . lrKnf] 5ftf / 8f‘7df sf‘8f, luvf{ / sTnf ePdf, nfdf] 8f‘7 clg 8f‘7sf] km]bdf 8NNff] jf y}nf] h:tf] ePdf -x]g'{; t:jL/_, RofpnfO{ b'w jf c08fdf /fVbf s]lx ;do kZrft b'w, c08f kmf6]df -hd]df_ Rof; ljiffn' x'g ;Sg] ;Defjgf w]/} x'G5 . Rofp ksfpbf rf‘bLsf] rDrf, Kofh / cb'jfsf] /Ë kl/jt{g x'G5 ls x'b}g hfFr u/]/ x]g]{ / olb /Ë kl/jt{g eof] eg] To:tf Rofp ljiffn' x'G5g eGg] ljZjf; g]kfnL ;dfh nufot o'/f]k]nL ;dfhdf klg /x]sf] kfO{G5 .

dfly pNn]lvt wf/0ffx? h:t} cGo w]/} wf/0ffx? g]kfn clw/fHoel/ 5l/P/ /x]sf x'g

Amanita sp; A Poisonous mushrooms. Collected
from nearby Olangchugola, Kanchenjunga, Taplejung
Photo by: Shiva Devkota (2011)

;S5g\, logLx?nfO{ dfq cfwf/ dfg]/ Rofpsf] z]jg ug'{ j'lådtfk"0f{ x'b}g . ;dfhdf h] h:tf wf/0ffx? e]l6Ptf klg o;sf s'g} j}1flgs cfwf/x? xfn;DDf e]l6Psf 5}gg\ . o;sf/0f o:tf] egfO{ 5 eg]/ o;sf] kl5 nfUg' eg]sf] b'3{6gfnfO{ lgDTofpg' xf] . b]Vbf p:t} – p:t} b]lvP klg Pp6f vfgof]Uo / cs|f]{ ljiffn' x'g ;S5 . h}ljs tyf ch}ljs w]/} sf/s tTjx?sf sf/0fn] ubf{ Ps 7f‘pdf vfgof]Uo Rofp cs|f] 7f‘pdf ljiffSt klg x'g ;S5 . h:t}, tLn Rofp g]kfndf vfg of]Uo 5g eg] log} k|hftL hfkfg / o'/f]lkog d'nsx?df ljiffn' ?kdf klg x]l/G5g\ .

Fun with mushrooms_Please Be aware with poisonous
mushrooms_Rabindra Parajuli, my colleague showing
mushrooms in Dadheldhura, Far Western Nepal
Photo by Shiva Devkota (2011)

ljiffn' Rofpsf c;/x?,
ljiffn' Rofpsf] pkef]u kZrft\ b]vfkg]{ nIf0fx? c;dfg / km/s k|s[ltsf x'G5g\ . Rofp ;]jg ug]{ dflg;sf] pd]/, Rofpsf] k|hftL clg slt dfqfdf ;]jg u/]sf] xf] To;s} cfwf/df nIf0fx? b]vf kb{5g\ . s'g} s'g} Rofpx? vfP nut} c;/ b]vf kg{ ;'? x'G5 eg] s'g} k|hftLx? vfPsf] tLg – rf/ lbg kl5 dfq c;/x? b]vf kb{5g\ . h:t}M Ko"7fg ksnf uflj;sf b]j]Gb«/fh /fjnsf] kl/jf/df h+unL Rofp vfPsf] tLg lbg kl5 dfq nIf0f b]vf k/]sf] lyof] eg] Ps xKtf kl5 kl/jf/sf rf/ hgfsf] d[To' ePsf] lyof]. ;]jg kZrft\ b]vf kg}{ ;fwf/0f nIf0fx?dfM k]6 s/fpg z'? x'g', jfGtf x'g', ¥ofn r'xfpg', sdhf]/L dxz'; x'g', kvfnf nfUg', lbzfdf /ut b]vf kg'{, df‘;k];L j‘fpl8g', dfgl;s ;Gt'ng u'dfpg', zl// sf‘Kg z'? x'g', nfdf] lgb«fdf kg,'{ / d'v / lhj|f]df PnhL{ x'g' 5g\ .

hf]lvd sd ug]{ pkfox?,

Helvella crispa_Edible mushrooms_Collected from
Khumjung, Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Photo by Shiva Devkota

Rofpsf kf/vLx? Jfif{sf] Ps k6s t Rofp vfg' kb{5 eGg] wf/0ff /fVb5g . 3/df g} k/fndf pdfg{ ;lsg] Rofpx? eGbf k|fs[lts ?kdf hFundf kfO{g] Rofpx? :jflbnf dflgG5g . ljiffn' Rofp x'g ;Sg] ;Defjgfx?nfO{ s]nfpg ;Sof] eg] hFunL Rofpjf6 x'g ;Sg] hf]lvdnfO{ sd ug{ ;lsG5 . o;sf nflu ;8]sf, ls/fn] vfP/ jf‘ls /x]sf, w]/} slnnf] clg kmls|;s]sf Rofpx? vfg'x'b}+g\ . b'O{ jf ;f] eGbf jl9 k|hftLsf Rofpx? Ps} k6s vfg' x'b}g\ . vfg x'g] Rofpg} klg olb s;}n] klxnf] k6s vfg nfu]sf] xf] eg] w]/} dfqfdf vfg x'b}g\ . Knfli6ssf] dmf]nf, l6gsf] jfs; h:tf u'\D;g] ef‘8fdf slxNo} klg Rofp ;+sng ug'{ x'b}g . ljiffn' Rofp vfPsf] z+sf nfu]df k|z:t dfqfdf dgtftf] g'g kflg lkpg' kb{5 / hlt;Sbf] l56f] :jf:Yo s]Gb« hfg'kb{5 .

cGtodf,

c7f/f} ztfJbLjf6 z'? ePsf] g]kfnL Rofpsf] cWoog / cg';Gwfg xfnsf lbg;Dd

Dried form of Morchella conica and Morchella esculenta;
Collected in Dolpa, Western Nepal
Photo by Shiva Devkota (2007)

cfO{k'Ubf z':t k|foM 5 . l;ldt lj1x?dfq o; If]qdf ;+nUg /x]sf] jt{dfg kl/k|]Iodf lhDd]jf/ ;DjlGwt lgsfox?n] o:tf k|sf/sf h}ljs ljljwtfsf] cWoog / cg';Gwfg ug]{ jftfj/0fsf] l;h{gf ug'{kb{5 . h;n] ubf{ Rofpsf] sf/0fn] ubf{ x'g] d[To"b/df sdL NofO{, pkef]u / ;Dj¢{g ;DjGwdf hgr]tgf hufpb}+ dxTjk"0f{ /}yfg] k|hftLx?sf] hu]gf{ ug{ ;lsg]5 .

Citation:

Devkota, S. 2009. Chyau Kasto Khaney, Kasto nakhaney? (= mushrooms, which to eat and which to omit ? Sadhana Health (magazine) (In Nepali) (Shrawan issue) 39-40.

My Yahoo Account has been Hacked

2012-01-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog readers and Friends,

So sad to inform you, my yahoo email devkotashiva@yahoo.com has been hacked by someone stupid.

So please use♦ shivadevkota12@yahoo.com or shiva.devkota@gmail.com for the further correspondances.

Thank you,

How to Identify Lichens?

2012-01-01T02:07:00.000-08:00

Looking after the research scenario in Nepal, Lichens (Jhyauu / Jhulo /Tarey /Yangben) are poorly investigated. The cause behind this is, we have limited numbers of Lichenologists working on it and very often foreign scientists made researches in Nepal. The study on lichens demand more insights on their identification procedures. Essentials chemicals, labs and recent techniques are crucial for this kind of studies. In most of the European and American countries, they have lichenological societies and they are doing good in providing training, lab studies and bringing out lots of interesting publications.

I have found very interesting weblink to know the basic procedures in identification of the lichens. I hope you will love to read it.

Please follow the link

http://www.ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/sahyadri_enews/newsletter/issue16/identify.htm

Every Happiness be Always with You in 2012

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

Dear All My Blog Viewers, I wish you Happy New Year 2012. This is one of my best photo from my this visit to Switzerland. I was lucky to click this photo in a sunny day from Albis Pass, nearby Zurich.

Poor Lichens (Jhyauu in Nepali) - Wealthy Politicians : Bitter Reality from Nepal

2011-12-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

In July 2010, I was visiting Western and Far-Western parts of Nepal (Nepalganj (Banke), Bardia, Kailali, Kanchenupur, Mahendranagar, Doti and Dadheldura) together with my two colleagues Mr Rabindra Parajuli and Mr Khem Kandel. The prime objective was to make study on different parameters (Sociological and Ecological) of Lichens. In Nepal lichens is called Jhyau, Tarey , Jhulo and Rai, Limbu and Sherpa people call it Yangben.

Everniastrum nepalense - Photo by Shiva Devkota

Why the discussion on Lichens after almost a year? yes, its obvious. In coming January 9-13, 2012, I am attending International Licheonological Symposium, at Bankok and delivering paper on "Trade and Traditonal Knowledge of Lichens in Nepal Himalayas" together with my professor Prof. Christoph Schedeigger from WSL, Switzerland, under whose supervision I am doing PhD since last almost a year. My PhD is not related with this ethnic and trade concept, but in my last frequent visits in Sagarmatha (Everest), Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga (Olangchugola) I have collected sufficient information on ethnolichenology and trade patterns.

Heterodermia leucomila - Photo by Shiva Devkota

While I am preparing my PowerPoint, and planning to prepare a research paper to submit in any of the ISI journal, I am getting excited with the realities behind the lichens in Nepal. Though it is called Jhyauu - infact it is much more important bio resource from the sociological and ecological aspects. In the name of management of lichens, there are many fragile rules and regulations in Nepal. So, pity is that, with the development of consensus among the players, sometimes government even lift the ban of lichen export. I am not saying that it is not good to harvest the lichens, but there must be some guidelines, stock estimation and market set up. The gap between real collectors and traders should be minimized for the equitable benefit sharing.

I was aware that, while I was in Nepalganj, my colleague SANAM introduced me with some traders, and provided a way to look their stores. Oh my God, store was with full of lichens and they were looking for the possibilities to send the lichens in India through illegal ways. Yaa, its common and every conservationists, every government staffs either from District Forest Offices of the respective districts or cadres of local level political parties - they all are aware about that.

Pure stand of Lobaria japonica, by SD

Businessmans know very well, when the government is going to lift the ban. It is really a surprise, and later on same things will happen. It seems that they are a key to open the padlock of government in getting permission for the short time. Once they made export of all the lichens, then government used to ban the lichens. What a Pity??

The news published in Myrepublica.com might be interesting reading to you as well:

Ban lift on lichen export unauthorized: CIAA
	BIMAL GAUTAM KATHMANDU, Sept 10: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has concluded that the decision taken by former Forest Minister Bhanu Bhakta Joshi to lift the ban on export of lichen worth Rs 42. 5 million was unauthorized. Minister Joshi, in his capacity as a caretaker minister had decided to export 170,000 kilograms of lichen flouting the provisions of a gazette that had banned lichen export. “We seized important documents and found that ex-minister Joshi had taken the decision for personal benefit,” said CIAA Secretary Bhagwati Kafle. The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) had banned export of lichen a year ago by publishing a gazette following a study that highlighted the adverse effects on biodiversity of such reckless exports. Minister Joshi had decided to lift the ban for six months despite objections from MoFSC officials. “As per our investigation, Minister Joshi had decided to lift the ban simply to serve his personal interests,” said another CIAA source, adding, “We didn´t find any genuine logic behind the decision.” Lichen is a grey, green or yellow plant-like organism that grows on trees, rocks and walls and is used for manufacturing herbal medicines and colors. According to experts, the herb is sold for at least Rs 250 per kg in India and China. “Minister Joshi had claimed that the poor can benefit if the lichen in question is exported,” said CIAA source, adding, “However, his arguments are not convincing. We found him instead of trying to take an advantage in the name of the poor.” Smelling rat over the deal, the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ) had rejected Minister Joshi´s proposal. Minister Joshi had forwarded his decision paper at MoLJ seeking the latter´s approval to publish his decision in a gazette. As per the existing legal system, a minister needs to get the consent of the law ministry to publish his decision in a gazette and publish it before it gets implemented.

Published on 2011-09-10 02:30:58

Mushrooms in Swiss Departmental Stores : The Flash Back of Nepalese Scenario

2011-12-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Morchella (Morels) Mushrooms in the Deparment Stores
at Birmensdorf, Switzerland @ Shiva Devkota

Being a mushrooms lover, I am pleased to find Agaricus and Morchella (Morels) mushrooms in the supermarket nearby our WSL guest house. As compared to Nepal, price of Agaricus (called Dalley chyau or Gobrey chyau in Nepal) is expensive but Morchella or morels (Guchhi chyau / Mattheura in Nepali) is very cheap. Another interesting feature is even in this season we can buy wild mushrooms here.

Agaricus (Dalley Chyau) mushrooms
in sell (1 Swiss Frank = NRs 90 only)
@ Shiva Devkota

Prof Dr Senn Beatrice, a well known wild mushrooms expert from Switzerland is also working in the same department, where I am doing my research work. In my last visit, while we were discussing about the poisoning cases in Switzerland, she expressed her happiness in finding the regulating and monitoring centers in different corners of Switzerland. Collectors can bring their samples to test, if they got confused regarding edible or poisonous mushrooms. So, almost no chance to eat poisonous mushrooms in Switzerland.

In Nepal, annually more than 50 mushrooms collectors are loosing their life, simply due to poisonous mushrooms. Its so pity to us. Still the Nepal Government and high level research institutes are not paying attention in these serious issues. Proper research and awareness programmes are still lacking in Nepal.

Wild mushrooms in sell at Denner Supermaket,
Birmensdorf, nearby Zurich @ Shiva Devkota

I am trying to disseminate the knowledge on edible and poisonous mushrooms of Nepal in different forms like short papers, media interviews and research paper publications and presentations. It really hurts with the poisoning cases.

Myself: I love this picture very much.
It was taken at nearby Dakshinkali in 2005
while I was preparing my M.Sc.
dissertation on mushrooms. Indigenous

knowledge is the only a way to identify edible
and poisonous mushrooms in Nepal.

Today while visiting nearby market, I really impressed with the systems. I hope and wish we could also start this kind of packaging and marketing system of wild mushrooms in Nepal. If you have some ideas and concepts to work in Nepalese wild mushrooms either in Diversity, Ecology, Ethnomycology, Cultivation and Marketing, Domestication of Wild mushrooms, please feel free to write me shiva.devkota@gmail.com. I would be pleased to provide the information whatever I compiled in last 8 years of my research period. We can work together in various aspects of mushrooms and such research are still awaiting.

New Book Chapter on Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba) from Nepal Himalayas: Status, Threats and Management Strategies

2011-12-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

Please cite this paper as:

Devkota, S. 2010. Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba) from Nepal Himalaya: Status, Threats and Management Strategies. In, Cordyceps Resources and Environment (Zhang Ping Hao-wei ed.), Grassland Supervision Center by the Ministry of Agriculture, People‟s Republic of China. pp. 91-108. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2699.2011.02596.

Dear All, If You Want to Know Something More about This Fascinating Fungus, Please Feel Free to Write me shiva.devkota@gmail.com / shiva.devkota@wsl.ch

Price of Caterpillar Fungus / Yarsagumba - Himalayan Viagra ( Ophiocordyceps sinensis) Reached NRs 20,33,280 Per KG : What a Crazy!

2011-03-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

Wanna Buy Caterpillar Fungs / Yarsagumba

I really wondered when I encountered with the news posted in www.nypost.com regarding Caterpillar Fungus (Yarsagumba or Yarchagunbu) price. New Yorkers are getting US$ 800 per ounce (35.3 Ounces = 1 Kilograms) for dried Yarsagumba. It means they are getting approx US$ 28240 or NRs 20,33,280 per kg. ( US$ 1 = NRs 72).What a crazy price and crazy fungus lovers!. This really forces me to think many times regarding Nepalese Yarsagumba, market scenario in Nepal and real benefits getting by the real collectors : Collectors from the remote highlands of Nepal.

In spite of being the main source of income for the rural mountain inhabitants ,Nepal Government, and many Research Organizations in Nepal are not paying clear attention for this Himalayan treasure or Yellow Living Gold. We are already late for the sustainable management of resource and market setup for the collected amounts. It would be really praiseworthy to take immediate actions for the further research, exploration and management of the Caterpillar Fungus of Nepal Himalaya. In this moment, I am missing Dolpa and Dolpali people very much, where I spend my two years of research days, looking from the basic things associated with the livelihoods and upto making understanding on the ecological parameters associated with this fungus. I would be really pleased to provide any sorts of information from my own experience, sharing of research ideas, findings and publications from my side. Please feel free to contact or write me at shiva.devkota@gmail.com

If you are interested to know more about Yarsagumba, its status, distribution, present scenario and further recommendations for its sustainable harvesting in Nepal Himalayas, it might be interesting to you http://shivadevkota.blogspot.ch/2011/12/new-book-chapter-on-ophiocordyceps.html

Same lines posted in the nypost.com are pasted in the text below:


Caterpillar Fungus in Sell : Market Ceter at Xining, China

It's a stiff price to pay for a fungus-encrusted silkworm. But New Yorkers are gladly shelling out $800 an ounce for these dried dead bodies -- and the sexual prowess they promise.

The vile virility remedy known as "Himalayan Viagra" works a little differently from the blue pill. There's no immediate reaction, but sprinkle them on your corn flakes every morning and users swear it'll make your bedsprings bounce. The wonder drug -- called "yarsagumba" or "dong chong xia cao" -- can also be brewed into an anti-impotence tea.

The insects come from the highlands of Nepal, where they are attacked by a beige fungus, cordyceps sinensis, that kills and entombs them. "It's like the ultimate invasion of the body snatchers," said Thomas Leung, owner of Kamwo, a Chinese herbal pharmacy on Grand Street. Hoping to resurrect their love lives, older men are blowing wads of cash on the creepy caterpillar cocktails. "It would cost you about $200 per serving," Leung said.

Leung remembers the ingredient selling for a mere $6.50 decades ago, but the price has rocketed to half the price of gold in recent years. "It's hard to come by, and the demand for it is very high because of there's a lot of hype," he said. The infected worms are picked by peasants during the summer in isolated villages along the Annapurna trail. Schools shut down for the lucrative picking season so children can join the hunt for the expensive aphrodisiac. But where there's sex and money, violence can't be far behind. Competition for the cash crop between remote mountain towns has turned bloody, with mobs murdering poachers. In June 2009, a mob of 65 villagers from the Menang clan in Nar bludgeoned seven poachers from a neighboring Gorkha tribe. The Nar men -- one from each household -- first slew two rivals with primitive tools and tossed their bodies into a crevasse. Then the gang ripped another five encroachers to pieces and cold-heartedly discarded them. Next month a verdict is expected to come down for 35 men charged in the crime.

Leung believes local interest in the mystical worm is based more on folklore than on serious Eastern medicine.
The sweet-tasting substance is commonly used in formulas to treat chronic asthma and is a centuries-old remedy for lung and kidney health, he said. "The kidneys are responsible for sexual and reproductive functions, so people kind of stretch that and say, 'Well if you consume this, you'll have that,' " he said.

"Very few people who sell this are going to tell you that, because they want to keep the hype up," he added.
Leung said the ingredient is peddled in cheaper supplements and the fungus has been synthetically duplicated.
But he's no snake-oil salesman. "People always ask, 'Is it really that good?' " he said. "And I say, 'It's not $800 good.' "

Does Someone Know if the Truffle Mushrooms is Collected from Nepal? Let's Explore the Potentiality to Work Together

2011-01-19T02:39:00.000-08:00

European Black Truffle - Photo Anonymous

Since almost last two weeks, I am wondering about the availability of peculiar and interesting type of mushrooms in Nepal that is called TRUFFLE. If I am not wrong, till date no one made report on this mushrooms from Nepal Himalaya. Three possible reasons for this could be:

We have only fragmentary researches on mushrooms in comparison to higher plants,
Till date no one made specific research on truffles,
Local indigenous communities in remote parts of Nepal may be using this resources since long but no one made reports so far,

False Truffle from Mustang, Nepal- By Shiva Devkota

So the exploration and research on this aspect would be exemplary in mushrooms research history of Nepal. In 2007 while I was in mushrooms exploration programme, together with Mycologist Dr Morten Christensen from KVL Denmark, at that period we were encountered with truffle alike species in Kunjo, Mustang. But unfortunately that was not Truffel but a false truffel.

What are Truffles?

In a nutshell, truffles are mushrooms that grow underground. They are the fruit of a fungus that bonds with the root system of many kinds of trees, including oaks, poplars, birches, beeches, and hazelnuts. A symbiotic relationship occurs between the fungus and the tree root, with the root providing sugar to nourish the truffle, and the fungus aiding in the tree’s absorption of water and nutrients. Unlike above-ground mushrooms, truffles don’t grow stems and caps. And the spore-bearing part of the truffle is fully enclosed. So truffles are dependent on animals to help them propagate by bringing the spores above ground. Attracted by the strong scent of the truffles, small animals like squirrels and chipmunks eat the truffles, and then spread the spores in their droppings.

Truffle is underground endomycorrhizal mushrooms and species comprises Tuber aestivum, T. albidum, T. brumale, T. excavatum, T. ferrugineum, T. magnatum, T. melanosporum, T. rufum and T. uncinatum and many more. White truffles (tuber magnatum) from northern Italy are the most highly-prized -- and most costly. They can sell for as much as $3,000 to $4,000 per pound. They grow wild in woods in certain areas and are usually found at the base of a few species of tree: oak, poplar, elm and some others.

Switzerland and my Experience with Truffle

Switzerland through my Lens

Most of us never get to see a truffle. When we do experience the taste or the aroma, it is in the form of truffle oil, truffle paste or truffle butter. If we do see truffles, they tend to be of the preserved variety (canned or, more usually, bottled) and their flavour is so minimal that we wonder what the fuss is about. In last week of December 2009, while I was accompanied with friend Therese in the downtown Zurich, Switzerland she offered me lunch in the local restaurant. She asked, whether I would like to try some mushrooms disc or others. She knows my interest on mushrooms very much. In the menu we found some truffle recipes. I was wondered and excited to see truffles, but unluckily we were compelled to taste for truffle oil mixed with rice. Oh! rice was with great aroma.

How to collect? Collection Method is really Very Interesting

Truffle hunters in Italy and France use pigs and mixed-breed dogs to sniff out truffles. Dogs are preferred to pigs because pigs love to eat truffles. Notice the staff held by the truffle hunter in the picture with the pig. The hunter uses the staff to force the pig to back off, once the pig has located a truffle.

In Italy, truffle dogs are trained in several steps. First, the dog is taught to retrieve a rubber ball. Next, a small bit of smelly Gorgonzola cheese is substituted for the rubber ball. After the dog has learned to retrieve the cheese, the cheese is hidden, forcing the dog to sniff it out for a reward of food. Finally, a small truffle is substituted for the cheese. The dog is trained to fetch, then dig up the truffle.

Dogs like other food better than truffles, so bread and other treats are used for rewards. The night before a truffle hunt the dog is not fed so it will be eager to find truffles for the treat. Some dogs take the easy way out. They find and eat garbage buried by campers! Dogs generally do not find young truffles because the odor is too weak. The odor becomes stronger with age as the spores mature. In North America, truffle collectors use three major clues to find truffles. First, it must be warm and the soil moist. Truffles are often found 10 to 14 days after a heavy rain. The umbrella shaped mushrooms which pop up after a good rain can be used as a kind of clock. Look for truffles after these mushrooms have started to collapse.

Second, the right trees must be present. Truffles are formed by fungi that are partners with certain trees. You will not find truffles under maples, for instance, because maples do not form ectomycorrhizae. Trees to use as clues include: pines, firs, Douglas-fir, oaks, hazel nuts, hickories, birches, beeches, and eucalyptus.

Third, truffles use animals for spore dispersal. In North America, squirrels and chipmunks are the major wild animals dispersing truffle spores. Search among the right trees for pits dug by rodents in their own hunt for truffles. Pits do not guarantee success, however! Rodents also dig pits searching for acorns, onion bulbs, and beetle grubs.

My Personal Request

In this coming season, I am trying to explore the truffles in different parts of Nepal Himalaya. I would be really thankful if someone just recalled oh!!!!that species may be truffles with which we were encountered during our last field visit. This kind of information is really very very helpful and we can work together.

Please forward your suggestion and research ideas to shiva.devkota@gmail.com. I am anticipating joint work and formulation of the research findings with both National and International Scientists and truffles lovers.

Thank you very much!

Central Department of Botany, TU to host International Conference on Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas

2010-10-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan University Central Department of Botany and the University of Bergen, Norway are jointly hosting an international conference on biodiversity and climate change in Kathmandu from December 12 to 14.

The three-day conference — Biodiversity Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas — will have experts from over 40 countries participating.

Representatives from both the universities today said experts from over 40 countries have confirmed their participation.

“The university planned such a big gathering coinciding with the announcement to declare 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity,” said Prof Krishna Kumar Shrestha, head of the Department of Botany, TU. The conference is co-organised by the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

The Himalaya stretches over 4,000 km and occupies approximately 0.3 per cent area of the earth and constitutes nearly 10 per cent of the world flora. Due to its extreme topographic and climatic variability, it is rich in biological diversity.

“The region boasts four biodiversity hot spots, 60 eco-regions, 488 protected areas, 1,106 important bird Areas, and 53 important plant areas, besides rich agro-biodiversity and wild relatives of crops. The Himalayan region, however, faces a high degree of threats, including climate change,” added Shrestha.

Prof Ernst Nordtveit of University of Bergen emphasised on sustainable development to make the earth a good habitat for future generations. “We have to focus on sustainable development to ensure happy life of the future generation for which we have to act from today to save our biodiversity,” said Nordtveit.

In respective to this news, here personally I (Shiva Devkota, Working as the Secretariat for the International Conference on Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas" would like to add that,
Dr. Ganesh Rasj, Joshi (Secretary of Ministry of Environment) and Prof. Dr. Dayananda Bajracharya (Academician NAST) also delivered their remarks on the press conference.

The conference is organized by Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, and co-organized by Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives. The conference is supported by Erasmus Mundus - LEANES, ICIMOD, NTNC, NAST, The Research Council of Norway, Univeristy Grants Commission, Nepal and University of Bergen, Norway.
Source: http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=TU+to+host+int'l+meet+on+biodiversity&NewsID=263370

RESEARCH FUNDING INSTITUTIONS

2010-07-12T02:06:00.000-07:00

Finding fund for personal interest research is not very easy job or also not so complicated as we used to be think. Try to develop some innovative concept, make balanced appraisal and strike with strong proposal, definitely we will get funds. One thing is clear, out of developed ten proposals, the chance of getting fund is so less that, only one proposal will be funded. With that single funded research programme, we can learn more ideas and concepts to make further funding to fulfill our research desire. More communication and understanding among like minded people means more collaboration; which ultimately results to get more funds from strong agencies.

In Nepal, finding money for scientific research is very very hard cake. Still, we don't have such the strong provision to allocate high amount of money for research. While playing with Internet, I was strike with some funding agencies from abroad, hope this list will be useful to all of us!. This list is available at http://www.snf.ch/E/services/links/Pages/_xc_forschungsfoerderung.aspx. this is website of Swiss National Science Foundation.

National / Switzerland

Schweizerischer Wissenschafts- und Technologierat

Conseil Suisse de la science et de la technologie

Swiss Science and Technology Council

http://www.swtr.ch/

Zentrum für Wissenschafts- und Technologiestudien

Centre d'études de la science et de la technologie

Center for Science & Technology Studies

http://www.cest.ch/

Staatssekretariat für Bildung und Forschung SBF

Secrétariat d'Etat à l'éducation et à la recherche SER

State Secretariat for Education and Research SER

http://www.sbf.admin.ch/

ETH-Rat

Conseil des EPF

Board of the Federal Insitutes of Technology

http://www.eth-rat.ch/

Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Hochschulwesen

Office Central Universitaire Suisse

Central Office of the Swiss Universities

http://www.crus.ch/

CTI - The Innovation Promotion Agency

http://www.bbt.admin.ch/kti/

Netzwerk FUTURE

Das Netzwerk FUTURE fördert den Dialog zwischen Politik und Wissenschaft

Réseau FUTURE

Le réseau FUTURE stimule le dialogue entre politique et sience

http://www.netzwerk-future.ch/

International

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

http://www.dfg.de/

Oesterreichischer Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)

Austrian Science Fund

http://www.fwf.ac.at/

CNRS - Centre national de la recherche scientifique

http://www.cnrs.fr/

National Science Foundation of the USA

http://www.nsf.gov/

European Science Foundation

Fondation européenne de la science

http://www.esf.org/

Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research

http://www.nwo.nl/

Science Organizations around the world

http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/int/map.htm

All the best !

Enjoy Some Songs Related With Lumle Village, Kaski

2010-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Caterpillar Fungus Poem - Yarsagumba Kavita - From Dolpa Nepal

2010-06-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Faint Yarchagumbus of Dolpa and Your and My Mentality

(This poem is reflection of my field visits to Dolpa in the year 2006 and 2007; where I made extensive study on ecology and sociology of caterpillar fungus - Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba)

Whilst

the Warmth streaks of light are

bouncing over the pasty snow clad terrain, and thawing the cover

somewhere, yarchagumbus start budding

after salking new hopes.

Extensive alpine meadows are just preparing to mushroom

Dolpan Yarchagumbus in the arrival of the season

but this has stimulated homes, brains and wallets,

Deshu / Lagar / Satu / meals and noodles are getting packed;

thinking

balmy hopes for those approaching chilly torrential days.

Thousands of steps of villagers of below snowline and those

who can see snow at the horizon ,

are at the brink of

welcoming by those monetizing hospitable meadows.

 

Prolonged and incessant caravans are whistling and scaling

Sheer cliffs seeming nothing

and faraway at home toddlers accompanying dotage and disabled folks

kept waiting their return.

Cattle are driven towards jungle

and at home freed cocks are under the threat of jackals and cats

left at home while leaving hurriedly

in rummage around for Dolpan Yarchagumbu.

  

Some schools and homes are abandoned and emptied

and the blackboard kept waiting

for the straight, round, curved and slanted lines of white chalks

and homes remains thrived for the shouting of spouses

and clamour of kids even for span of a moment.

   

Chimal, Bhojpatra, Lagma and pines are at tranquil,

when the alpines meadows are flocked by the blue, white and yellow tarpaulins emitting fumes

enjoying bonfires and clamours at night.

Clumsy cliffs are faded by bush-fire,

and plastic covered fresh and green meadows are fostering several scented flowers

in the wilderness of alpine.

Suddenly I shouted-

OH !

These alpines meadows are relentlessly enduring all those-

Footsteps, necessities, and those Dolpan Yarchagumbus and whole impatience.

    

At the span of time

The Dolpan Yarchagumbus are wandering for new running,

an apt and proper for increasing the shared-responsibility to manage whole

biota of alpine-land

So can the flowers of wilderness remain blossomed, trees keep on puff-out

Bluesheeps kept grazing and musk dancing

And meadows turn into the playground for hide and seek of the alpine grass and

Dolpan Yarchagumbu,

So can Manmaya fetch green currencies and Sonam should not lost the dazzling eyes,

the unmatchable natural wealth can go long for indefinite and Doplan identity remain untreated.

Thnx to Fren Satish For his Genuine Help in Editing and Translation

ANNONCEMENT: International Conference on Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas (December 12-14, 2010: Kathmandu, Nepal)

2010-05-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

Theme of the Conference
“Save the Himalayan Biodiversity for future generations”

Organized by
Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University
Ministry of Forests & Soil Conservation, GoNMinistry of Environment, GoN

In Collaboration with

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
WWF Nepal
National Trust for Nature Conservation, and
University of Bergen (Norway)

Supported by
Nepal Academy of Science & Technology
Nepal Agricultural Research Council
University Grants Commission (Nepal), and
Norwegian Research Council (NRC)

Background
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, the genetic diversity they contain, and the assemblages they form. The direct benefits of biodiversity to humanity are myriad: we derive our food, fuel, fiber, medicines and raw materials for a host of manufacturing processes from this variety of organisms. Beyond direct values, they provide ecological services and play an important role in maintaining Earths environmental processes. Their ethical and aesthetic values are less quantifiable; they are nevertheless real and pervasive. The Himalaya, stretching over 4,000 km, is a singular entity of immense physical dimension. Owing to its extreme topographic and climatic variability, the Himalaya contains rich biological diversity. It occupies approximately 0.3% of the global area, and constitutes nearly 10% of the world flora. The region contains four biodiversity hotspots, 60 eco-regions, 488 protected areas, 1,106 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and 53 Important Plant Areas (IPAs) in addition to rich agro-biodiversity and wild relatives of crops. The Himalayan region, however, also faces a high degree of threats, including climate change. There is general agreement among the scientific community that maintenance of natural levels of biodiversity is necessary for proper functioning and provision of sound ecosystem services. A major threat to biodiversity is habitat loss and fragmentation. In addition to climate change, inadequate data and funds, weak institutional set-up and management, unsustainable harvesting and illegal trade of resources are the challenges to attain the goals of biodiversity conservation. Marking the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, and the Ministry of Environment, Government of Nepal, are jointly organizing an International Conference on “Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas, ICBLCC-2010”, in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 12-14, 2010. The conference will be organized in collaboration with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), WWF Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation, and University of Bergen (Norway), and supported by Nepal Academy of Science & Technology, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, University Grants Commission (Nepal) and Norwegian Research Council. The ICBLCC-2010 is expected to discuss issues related to biodiversity and climate change as well as cross-sectoral issues with particular emphasis on natural resources of the Himalayan region. The conference will also assess achievements on the Convention on Biological Diversity 2010 target to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss and an international regime on access and benefit sharing at regional and national levels.

Important Deadlines

First circular of conference April 30, 2010 S

ubmission of pre-registration form July 31, 2010

Submission of abstract August 31, 2010

Second and final circular August 31, 2010

Registration (normal rate) October 31, 2010

Registration (after November 1, with late fee)

On-the-spot registration

Note: We highly appreciate submission of full papers by October 31, 2010, so as to publish in the journal Botanica Orientalis (Special Issue 2010).

Passport and Visa Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passports and visas. All non-Nepalese can obtain Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at border immigration offices (if you are entering via surface travel).

Visa fee: Multiple entry fee (for 15 days) = US$ 25.

Weather Information The weather is cold, and usually clear, throughout the day in December.

The mean maximum temperature is 17.9°C, and minimum temperature is about 2°C.

Language: The language of the conference is English.

Fees and Payment Registration fee

(within October 31, 2010) US$ 200 (for overseas participants) and US$ 100 (for participants from SAARC countries)

NPR. 1500 for Nepali participants (NPR. 1000 for students)

Registration fee (after November 1, 2010)

US$ 300 (for non-Nepalese participants) and

US$ 150 (for participants from SAARC countries).

Note: Registration fee covers modest accommodation, registration kit, lunch and reception dinner. The registration fee can be waived to some participants from the developing countries upon request. Post conference fieldtrip (for non-Nepalese participants only)*

 Kathmandu Valley (1 day) - Complimentary

 Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park – Pokhara – Kathmandu (3 days)

 Mountain Flight ( in the early morning from the Tribhuvan Int‟l Airport).

*The organizers will upon request arrange field trips (Chitwan and Pokhara) and mountain flights for participants with an additional fee.

International Advisory Committee

Prof. Peter H. Raven (USA) Prof. Andrea Pieroni (Italy) Prof. Stephen Blackmore (UK) Prof. Hideaki Ohba (Japan) Prof.Vigdis Vandvik (Norway) Prof. John Birks (Norway) Prof. Christoph Scheidegger (Switz„d) Prof. Krishna G. Saxena (India) Prof. Hong De-Yuan (China) Prof. Li De-Zhu (China) Prof. Anton Fischer (Germany) Prof. Surayya Khatoon (Pakistan) Dr. M. Sanjappa (India) Dr. Jean-Marc Hero (Australia) Dr. Madhav Karki (ICIMOD/Nepal) Dr. Dmitry Geltman (Russia) Dr. Bill Magnusson (Brazil) Dr. Edward Mwavu (Uganda)

Conference Subcommittees

Financial committee Convenor: Prof. KK Shrestha Members: Dr. IE Maren, Mr. KP Acharya, Dr. B. Pant, Ms. B. Shakya Technical session committee

Convenor: Prof. RP Chaudhary Members: Prof. SD Joshi, Prof. K. Basnet , Prof. M. Koirala (IoST), Dr. J. Bajracharya

Publication committee Convenor: Prof. PK Jha Members: Dr ORVetaas, Dr DR Bhuju , Dr SK Ghimire , Ms. S. Rajbhandary

Logistics committee (Accommodation, lunch/refreshments, transportation, venue, etc.) Convenor: Prof. U. Budathoki Members: Dr KR Bhattarai, Dr MP Devkota , Dr. CB Baniya, Mr. S. Devkota

Publicity committee Convenor: Prof. M. Siwakoti Members: Dr. SR Baral, Ms. M.Ghimire , Mr. BR Oli, Mr. G. Dhital

Registration Committee Convenor: Dr. L. Manandhar Members: Dr. K. Joshi, Ms. N. Pradhan, Ms. A. Devkota , N. Karmacharya

Exhibition committee Convenor: Prof. KP Shrestha (NHM) Members: Dr. RKP Yadav, Dr. S. Subedi, Ms. S. Vaidya , Mr. BB Shrestha

Excursion committee Convenor: Dr. SB Bajracharya Members: Dr. MK Chhetri (Ascol), Mr. RC Nepal (NTNC), Dr. C. Pokhrel (CDB), Ms. S. Shrestha (CDB).

Conference Sessions 1. Biodiversity assessment and conservation

 Long-term ecological research (LTER) and biodiversity conservation

 Biodiversity and biogeography

 Biodiversity at gene, species and ecosystem levels

 Forest biodiversity

 Protected areas

 Wetlands and invasive species

 Transboundary corridors and issues

2. Biodiversity resources and livelihoods

 Sustainable use of biological resources

 Agricultural biodiversity

 Ecotourism and biodiversity conservation

 Genetic resources

 Environmental goods and services, and PES schemes

 NTFPs, traditional knowledge and community development

3. Climate change impacts on land-use, agriculture, and vegetation

 Socio-economic and climate change impacts on agriculture

 Risks/ vulnerability associated with climate change

 Adaptations/ mitigation strategies

 Ecological modeling under climate change scenarios

 Habitat loss and fragmentations

 Sustainable management of Ecosystem services

4. Biodiversity policy and law

 Multilateral/ bilateral international treates/agreements, and conventions

 Regional, national and customary laws

 Intellectual Property Rights/ Patent Rights

 Access to Genetic resources and benefit sharing

 Biosafety and biosecurity

Special symposia

 Biodiversity strategy of Nepal and CBD 2010 target and beyond (Convenor: Dr. KC Paudel, Nepal)

 Landscape Conservation Initiative (Convenor: Dr. KP Oli, Nepal)

 Floras of the Himalayan region (Convenor: Dr. Mark Watson, UK)

 Climate change and REDD (Convenor: SM Nepal, Nepal)

Organizing Committee

Chairperson

Prof. Krishna K. Shrestha (CDB TU)

Co-Chairpersons

Prof. Ernst Nordtveit (Norway) Mr. Krishna P. Acharya (MFSC) Dr. Krishna P. Oli (ICIMOD)

Members

Dr. Jwala Bajracharya (NARC) Dr. Siddhartha Bajracharya (NTNC) Prof. Khadga Basnet (CDZ) Dr. Dinesh Bhuju (NAST) Dr. Ghan S. Gurung (WWF) Prof. Pramod K. Jha (CDB) Prof. Sanu D. Joshi (CDB) Prof. Madan Koirala (IoST) Dr. Inger Måren (Norway) Dr. Krishna C. Paudel (DPR/MFSC) Mr. Batu K. Uprety (MoE) Dr. Ole R. Vetaas (Norway)

Member Secretary

Prof. Ram P. Chaudhary (CDB TU)

National Advisory Committee

Dr. Dinesh C. Devkota (Member, NPC) Dr. Kamal K. Joshi (Chairman, UGC) Prof. Madhav P. Sharma (Vice-Chancellor, TU) Prof. Suresh R. Sharma (Vice-Chancellor, KU) Prof. Hom N. Bhattarai (Vice-Chancellor, NAST) Prof. Dayananda Bajracharya (Academician, NAST) Dr. Tirtha B. Shrestha (Life Member, Nepal Academy) Mr. Yuba R. Bhusal (Secretary, MFSC) Dr. Ganesh R. Joshi (Secretary, Ministry of Environment/GoN) Dr. Andreas Schild (Director-General, ICIMOD) Mr. Anil Manandhar (Country Representative, WWF Nepal) Mr. Juddha B. Gurung (Member Secretary, NTNC) Prof. Mukunda P. Gajurel (Dean, Institute of Science & Technology, TU) Dr. Bharatendu Mishra (Executive Director, NARC) Mr. Prachanda M. Shrestha (Executive Director, Nepal Tourism Board)

Note: Registration fee can be deposited in the conference bank account at Global Bank Ltd., KTM, Nepal., Account name: Biodiversity Conference 2010, Account No. 0501010000107 Swift code: GLBBNPK.

For Further Information Contact:

Shiva Devkota

ICBLCC 2010 Secretariat

Central Department of Botany Tribhuvan University Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: ++977-1-4331322, 4333722 Fax : ++977-1-4333515 ; Post Box: 26429

Email: icblcc2010@gmail.com

Website: www.cdbtu.edu.np/icblcc2010

International Conference on Chinese caterpillar fungus

2010-04-27T02:45:00.000-07:00

Cordyceps sinensis is the growth in the high altitudes of a rare species resources, unique features and special health care efficacy, in recent years, more and more domestic and international community's attention. Cordyceps collection for sale origin of farmers and herdsmen have become an important source of income, but disorder and over-collection on the origin of economic order and the ecological environment will have a significant impact, and global climate change have some effect. To explore and exchange of Chinese caterpillar fungus resources management, regulate trade order and the market experience in collecting and sharing scientific research results, strengthening international exchanges and cooperation in the conservation of biological diversity, maintenance of producing social, economic and environmental development and the origin农牧民收入sustainable growth, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture grassland supervision, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) sponsored the "2010 International Conference on Chinese caterpillar fungus" will be held in June 2010 8-10 in China's Qinghai Province, Xining City.
A unit in charge

The People's Republic of China Ministry of Agriculture

2, the organizers

Ministry of Agriculture, Center for Grassland Supervision

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

3, co-unit

Office of Qinghai agriculture and animal husbandry

International Institute for Applied Bio-Science Research Center (CABI)

Grassland Research Institute of China Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Agricultural zoning

4, the contractor unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Trade Promotion Center

Qinghai Grassland Supervision Station

5, participants

In Cordyceps resource management, scientific research, product development and trade in all walks of life.

6, time and place of

June 2010 9-10, China Xining City, Qinghai Province, June 8 daily to

7, the organization

(A) The General Assembly Organizing Committee
Honorary Chairman: Gao Hongbin (Ministry of Agriculture Deputy Minister)
Deng Tai (Vice Governor of Qinghai Province)
President: Ma Xiang (Ministry of Agriculture, Director, Center for Grassland Supervision)
Vice-Chairman: Lu Xiao-ping (Department of International Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture Deputy Director)
Yang Zhenhai (Ministry of Agriculture Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry)
Wang Yan-Liang (Ministry of Agriculture Science and Technology Department of Education Inspector)
Yu Yan Kong (Ministry of Agriculture Agricultural Trade Promotion Center Deputy Director)
Cao (Director of the Office of Qinghai agriculture and animal husbandry)
John mayo (Qinghai Province Foreign Affairs Office of the Deputy Director)
Wang Lung (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Agriculture Division of Agricultural Resources Research Institute)
Fan Zhiyong (WWF project officer of the Beijing Office)
Zhang Linxiu (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development)
Executive Chairman: Zhang Li-Jian (Ministry of Agriculture, Center for Grassland Supervision Inspector)
Jon Miceler (Asia Regional Director World Wide Fund for Nature)
The Secretary-General: Zhang Lubiao (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences International Cooperation Bureau)
Ngawang sharp fault (Qinghai Province, the Deputy Minister of agriculture and animal husbandry)

Li Bing (Ministry of Agriculture Grassland Protection Supervision Center Director)
Deputy Secretary-General: Tang Sheng Yao (Department of International Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture, Director of Asia and Africa)
Lu Hong (Department of Agriculture Agricultural Trade Promotion Center Director)
Ai Qi Gong (Qinghai Grassland Division Office of the Director of agriculture and animal husbandry)
Lydia (WWF Project Director of the Office of Tibet)
Members: Wang Xiaobin, Wang Zhu Yun, Jiang small if, Zhang Mingfu, LI Yong-jun, SHI Yan-min, YANG Zhi, Song Zhongshan, Li Zhiqiang, Zhao Yurong, Yang Ji, Liu Zhimei, Cai Peiyun, ECLAC Cedain, Ma Wenzhong

(B) Academic Committee
Honorary Chairman: Hong Fuzeng (former Deputy Minister of Agriculture)
President: Li Yu (Chinese Society for fungi)
Vice-Chairman: Hou Xiangyang (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Grassland)
Dian-hung (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Agriculture Division of Agricultural Resources Institute)
Members: YANG Da-rong, DONG rainbow, Zhang Gu-Ren, Shi-Jiang Chen, LI Yu-Ling, Jin-Xia Zhang, Hu Qing-Xiu
(C) The Secretariat of the Assembly
Implementation of the Secretary-General: Li Bing
Address: Chaoyang District, Beijing Agricultural Exhibition Ministry of Agriculture, No. 11 South Lane Grassland Supervision Center
Zip Code: 100125
Tel :0086-10-59191661
Fax :0086-10-59191701
E-mail: grass-land@163.com
8 contents of the meetings
(1) Chinese caterpillar fungus resources management, trade policies and regulations.
(B) Cordyceps resources and the environment.
(C) Cordyceps scientific progress.
(D) Cordyceps collection, packaging, product development technologies and applications.
(E) Chinese caterpillar fungus resources and economic development and农牧民收入origin.
(Vi) Cordyceps sinensis in international trade order.
9, the Assembly Language
The working languages are Chinese and English, the venue is equipped with simultaneous translation.
10, Call for Papers
(A) of this meeting will be compiled and published "Chinese Journal of Grassland" in Chinese and English special issue, please accordance with the theme of the meeting participants to actively write theses.
(B) The papers must apply for academic journals at home and abroad have not publicly released, Wen responsibility conceited.
(C) The paper format, please refer to "Chinese Journal of grass." Manuscripts through the review after the "Chinese Journal of grass" Publication.
(Iv) Please refer to the WORD format for writing papers. Abstracts are invited to March 1, 2010 sent to liuqizheng@agri.gov.cn. The Secretariat informed the meeting after the adoption of your abstract, please follow the science and technology paper format, April 1, 2010 will be full papers and articles in Chinese and English summary sent to liuqizheng@agri.gov.cn.
11, conference registration and fees
(A) Conference Registration: We will be opening in February 2010 conference registration site, the information in timely fashion the Chinese Grassland Network http://www.grassland.gov.cn.
(B) Registration fee: fee for the conference materials, simultaneous translation fees, meals, pick-up points transport.
1, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan participants registration fees:
In the May 1, 2010 registration, RMB 1600 yuan / person, students (with valid student ID) 1,000 yuan / person.
In May 2010 after 1 registered, the registration fee will be unified raised 400 yuan.
2, where the representatives of holders of foreign passports participants registration fees:
In the May 1, 2010 registration of U.S. dollars 350 yuan / person, students (with valid student ID) USD 230 RMB / person.
In May 2010 after 1 registered, the registration fee will increase 70 dollars unity.
(C) payment method
Beneficiary: Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Trade Promotion Center
Account number: 040101040009415
Bank: Agricultural Bank of China, Chaoyang Road North Branch
12, Lodging
Conference Organizing Committee will provide delegates with different standards of hotel service information, please go to Chinese grasslands Network http://www.grassland.gov.cn the query.
Hotel reservations please visit to download, please fill out the form sent to the Organizing Committee Secretariat. The Conference secretariat will be May 31, 2010 end of the hotel reservations.
If you want shared with others, please write down in the hotel booking form in the name of your roommate.
13, contact
Contact: Liu Qi is
Tel :010-59194717, 59,194,629
E-mail: liuqizheng@agri.gov.cn
For more information, please visit http://www.grassland.gov.cn (China Grassland Network)
Source:http://www.sourcejuice.com/1287881/2009/12/15/2010-inform-first-round-International-Conference-Cordyceps-sinensis/

My Visit to Zurich University Botanical Garden, Switzerland

2009-12-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

As a student of plant science, I have always an urge to visit some botanical gardens and resource centers related with plant science. I am doing some research work at WSL, (12 km far from Zurich) and in the weekend my friend Therese invited me and managed a trip to visit Zurich University Botanical Garden. While we left from Zurich the weather was cold and snowing.

I came to know that formerly this botanical garden was a private garden and now maintained as a university botanical garden since 1976. There are no systematic beds like in our garden in Nepal (Botanical Garden, Godavary, Kathmandu) but most of the plants cultivated are wild species inside and outside the green houses. Here, in this note I am sharing few interested pictures and information and my memories, hope will be interesting to you all my blog readers.

Open Hours_ Zurich University Botanical Garden

Bubbles like Tropical Green Houses

Beautiful Aquarium

Beautiful Flower _ Normally I have seen only in white color in Nepal

Chamaedora tapejiote

Dendrobium spectablle _ Beautiful Orchid with strange ornamentation

Heteropteris chrysophylla - Beautifula and large sized orchid inside green house

Massonia pustulata

Musella lasiocarpa

Porlieria hygrometra - it is brought from Peru

Rafflesia _ Bigger flower of the plants - from South Africa

Hanging orchid: Stanhopea graveolens

Tillandsia cyanea

Myself with the joy inside the Botanical Garden ( Dec 12, 2009 Saturday)

"Myself with Therese Keel Kunz _ On the way to Botanical Garden

Thank you Dear Therese for your special arrangement and precious time"

Lichens at 5177m altitude, from Dolpa, Nepal Himalayas

2009-12-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

In the year 2006, I enjoyed almost 2 months in the highland pastures of Dolpa to make study on caterpillar fungus. (Yarsagumba in Nepali and Cordyceps sinensis in sceintific term). The study was very interesting in terms I came to know about interesting features of caterpillar fungus, natural habitat, collectors livelihood and other socio-economic aspects. Overall, I enjoyed trip.

While I was in the Palma Ramana Pasture of Raha Village (two days walking distance from district headquarter Dunei), my local assistant Ser Bahadur asked me to climb the steep cliffs to reach the top of the area. He took me from short ways with lots of difficulties. Main problems were snow on the cliffs and stone falls after getting sunlight. In one time, we hardly escape with the falling stone....terrible.

Finally we were on the top. View from the top was incredible. I can see mountains all around. Soon, snowfall started and we were planning to return. Suddenly, when I look nearby ground (in which patch snow was already melted) interesting lichens was growing up to this altitude. (See photo)

In many literatures (published and unpublished) from Nepal, authors thought it as Xylaria species. (Ascomycetes fungus), but case is not that. It is Thamnolia vermicularis (Swartz) Schaer.

Hope, you have also noticed this kind of lichens growing in others parts of â country or the globe. Please, share the experience.

If you want to know something more about this interesting lichen along with other Lichens from Nepal please feel free to write me shiva.devkota@gmail.com

Have Fun.

Why Babies are So Cute ? Searching Answers from AVINABH face

2009-11-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

Learn to be patient from a baby

You Smile and the Earth Smiles with You

Flashing millions dollars smiles

"If you see a friend without a smile give him one of yours in future days"

Risk with Caterpillar fungus ( Yarsagumba ) trade in Nepal : Yarsagumba looted in Darchula

2009-11-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Before two months ago, a group of looters made away with yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis) worth Rs 15 million from traders on Monday morning. The looters robbed the traders while they were taking the prized aphrodisiac herb from Darchula to Kathmandu. The group looted 27 kg of yarsagumba from Harka Singh Badal of Darchula, and Charke Lama and Waking Lama of Humla while they were trying to board a bus at Gokuleshwar in Darchula. Yarsagumba costs around Rs 550,000 a kilo in Darchula.

Source:http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=9503

YARSAGUMBA - Cordyceps sinensis - Himalayan Viagara - Charm in India

2009-11-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yarsagumba which is high valued caterpillar fungus is becoming important source or rural livelihood mainly in Western Disctricts of Nepal since last 20 years. Along with Nepal it is also highly praised in India, Tibet and Bhutan. In respect to Tibet and Nepal, India has less production of Cordyceps but from this news it is also clear that even in India the highland people prefer this fungus and fetch high price. Reports from different countries suggest that the collection of this caterpillar fungus is not sustainable and people are collecting by their own traditional ways and ideas. Trampling effects is seems to be main cause to make this fungus endangered. So, appropriate step is necessary to maintain its availability. Please read this news to make more idea about Cordyceps of India.

From April onwards and up to June-end, villagers from the Johar and Darma valleys of the Munsiyari-Dharchula subdivisions of Pitthoragarh proceed towards Himalayan heights of Chiplakot region to dug out a special herb called “yarchagumba” (cordyceps sinensis).

For more than a decade, for villagers living in the higher Himalayan region, this has been a primary avocation since it was found that the Tibetan medicinal plant is also in abundance in the meadows of Chiplakot besides the Himalayan sub-alpine region of western Nepal.

“Yarsagumba is an intomophilus fungus found primarily in the sub-alpine region 3200 to 4000 metres above sea level.

“The fungus is parasitic like the caterpillar,” says CS Negi of the department of zoology, Government Post-Graduate College, Pitthoragarh.

He has done extensive research on this plant under the National Medicinal Plants Board, department of Ayush, union ministry of health and family welfare.

“The extraction of Yarsagumba began in this part of the Himalayas in 1998 when Tibetan traders learnt of its presence here and began trafficking it to Tibet and China via Nepal,” says Ram Gopal Verma, district forest officer, Pitthoragarh.

He says the miraculous impact of “cordyceps sinessis” became known to the outside world when a few years back Chinese women athletes were found using “yarsagumba” to energise them.

“It became a major news published in mainstream newspapers of America like Newsweek,” he says.

The consumption of this aphrodisiac plant by the Chinese and Tibetans began some 1,500 years ago when some Chinese herdsman observed that their livestock became energetic after eating a fungus-like grass.

About 1,000 years later the Ming emperors started using it as a tonic after developing powerful portions from it. Old Tibetan medical practitioners believed that “cordyceps sinensis” enhanced lung functioning, bolsters kidney energy, cured cough, impotence, spermatorrhoea, asthma, aching back and knees and general debility caused by long-term illness,” says Negi.

Yarsagumba fetches a good price for retail as well as in the wholesale market. “Last year eight forest panchayats of the Darma valley collected 68 kg of yarsagumba legally from their assigned forest panchayat areas and sold it at Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per kg to traders coming from Tibet via Nepal,” says DFO Verma.

But because of Olympics and a strict vigil on the borders, the sale was less with few buyers from Tibet and Nepal.

“Villagers in and around Chiplakot hills at a height between 3200 to 4000 metres above sea level, specially Sungdum, Philam, Bon, Baling, Duktu and Dantu villages in the Darma valley, Ralamdhura, PanchChuli, Nagnidhura and Namik from the Johar valley, leave for the high peaks in the last week of April to extract the plant. Every villager earns at least Rs 10,000 to 15,000 during this period before the rains,” says Khagendra Bhandari from Panchchuli in the Johar valley.

“We are receiving complaints of Nepali and Tibetan traders sneaking into Chiplakot and illegally extracting this miracle drug. Last year our team captured some firearms besides 250 gm of yarsagumba illegally extracted by non-Indian traders of Nepal and Tibet,” says Verma, adding that this year he has sent a 29-member team, including Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, to flush out intruders from the sanctuary area.

“Following the over-exploitation of yarsagumba, a decline of 30 to 50 per cent of harvest has been noticed in recent years, specially the last two years,” says Chandra Singh Negi, a researcher.

He says almost 80 per cent population in 19 villages of three valleys depend on collection of “yarsagumba” which is hindering the regeneration potential of the species as the fruiting body needs time to mature.

“Yarsagumba” is proving to be economically fruitful for the villagers of the upper Himalayan region where no other economic activity exists.

“There is now a new trend with villagers traditionally earning through cultivating potato and rajma leaving their crops in the fields and setting for high altitudes for more than three months. During that time, the studies of their children and the upkeep of their lifestock is affected,” says Kailash Koranga, a student leader from Munsiyari.

The over-exploitation of this species is limiting the future prosperity of people in this remote Himalayan region. As Negi puts it: “Extension programmes and awareness campaigns should be carried out 7among the villagers to encourage them to cultivate other medicinal plants which could boost economy, and this diversion would be able to save Yarsagumba from over-exploitation.

More than 400 families in Dharchula and Munsiyari sub- divisions are extracting this miracle drug from Chiplakot , Panchachuli, Ralam Dhura, Nagini Dhura.

As the police and forest department have started taking strict measures to prevent the smuggling of this herb, the villagers now sell their collection cheaper at the rate of Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 per kg.

“The price paid by the villagers in the form of destruction of their traditional agricultural economy and personal feuds, is much higher than their earnings,” observes Ranjeet Visvakarma, a prominent UKD leader.

Source: From April onwards and up to June-end, villagers from the Johar and Darma valleys of the Munsiyari-Dharchula subdivisions of Pitthoragarh proceed towards Himalayan heights of Chiplakot region to dug out a special herb called “yarchagumba” (cordyceps sinensis).