Amazing Species: Chinese Caterpillar Fungus
Qi Zhao © San Diego Zoo
Amazing Species: Chinese Caterpillar Fungus The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, has not yet been officially evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. However, a provisional assessment suggests that it is likely to be ‘Near Threatened’. The species is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya regions at 3,000 to 5,000 meters elevation, and is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Geographical range
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The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus is a parasite of moth larvae (i.e. caterpillars); upon germination, the fungus kills the larvae and grows out of its body. The recent surge in the price of the fungus has prompted an increasing number of people to participate in its harvest. While declines have not been reflected in the data, scientists suspect that high levels of harvesting may negatively impact the moth species and subsequently the fungus. This species has been listed as an endangered under the second class of state protection in China since 1999. To ensure its protection, nature reserves have been established in China and scientists are attempting to cultivate this fungus both in the fields of the Tibetan Plateau and in the laboratory. Further legal protection is recommended, as is enforcing control of the international trade. The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.
Amazing Species: Chinese Caterpillar Fungus The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, has not yet been officially evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. However, a provisional assessment suggests that it is likely to be ‘Near Threatened’. The species is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya regions at 3,000 to 5,000 meters elevation, and is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Geographical range
www.iucnredlist.org Help Save Species www.arkive.org
The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus is a parasite of moth larvae (i.e. caterpillars); upon germination, the fungus kills the larvae and grows out of its body. The recent surge in the price of the fungus has prompted an increasing number of people to participate in its harvest. While declines have not been reflected in the data, scientists suspect that high levels of harvesting may negatively impact the moth species and subsequently the fungus. This species has been listed as an endangered under the second class of state protection in China since 1999. To ensure its protection, nature reserves have been established in China and scientists are attempting to cultivate this fungus both in the fields of the Tibetan Plateau and in the laboratory. Further legal protection is recommended, as is enforcing control of the international trade. The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.
