The wild edible termitomyces mushrooms of Goa are overexploited thus threatening their diversity-this presentation makes a case for their conservation as precious bioresource and ecosystem servants-the author champions the cause of Termitomyces ecoconservation
Original Title
Ecoconservation of Goa's Termitomyces biodiversity
The wild edible termitomyces mushrooms of Goa are overexploited thus threatening their diversity-this presentation makes a case for their conservation as precious bioresource and ecosystem servants-the author champions the cause of Termitomyces ecoconservation
The wild edible termitomyces mushrooms of Goa are overexploited thus threatening their diversity-this presentation makes a case for their conservation as precious bioresource and ecosystem servants-the author champions the cause of Termitomyces ecoconservation
Eco-conservation of genetic diversity of wild edible
mushrooms in the western ghats: A case study of
government ban on collection of Termitomyces spp. From wildlife sanctuaries in Goa Nandkumar Kamat Department of Botany Goa University, Taleigao, Goa Termitophilic mushrooms are placed under three genera Agricineae Tricholomataceae Termitomyceteae Termitomyces Heim Podabrella Singer Sinotermitomyces Zhang There is a rich diversity of Termitophilic species in Goa Seven novel Termitomyces taxa were identified in Goa Goa has 28 species of Termitophilic mushrooms The major marketed Termitomyces species of Goa • 1. Termitomyces striatus • 2.T. heimii • 3.T. eurrhizus • 4.T. medius • 5.T. mammiformis • 6.T. entolomoides • 7.T. clypeatus Termitomyces mushrooms are sold in urban markets in leaf packets Erosion of Termitomyces diversity • In 1986, random market survey revealed 15 species • In 1991, only 12 species were identified in market samples • In 1993, only 10 species were seen in market • In 2004, it was difficult to see more than 5- 6 species The uncontrolled Termitomyces trade is eroding its’ genetic base • In 1975, the Termitomyces immature fruitbodies, were sold @ of Rs. 5 for a packet of 100 • In 1985, the price went up to Rs. 20 • In 1990, packet sizes were reduced to 40-50 and the price ranged from Rs. 60-80 • In 2004, packet size was further reduced to 30- 40 and the price increased to Rs. 150 Chronology of the ban • 1991- A preliminary report is submitted to forest dept. • 1992-3- the wildlife protection act is invoked and public notices are issued. These are reissued every year in June • 1993:-Govt. clarifies that the ban is limited only to wild life sanctuaries • 1994:- Media is divided over the ban • 1995-99:- Govt. takes a lenient view of the ban under political pressure • 2000:-Forest department prepares publicity material on Termitomyces sp. • 2004:- Fresh Conflicts emerge over mushroom collection The ban generated a lot of heat, noise and thunder even in the Goa assembly The local media wrote extensively on the enforcement of the ban Boquets followed the brickbats Why the people in and near the wild life sanctuaries do not favour the ban?
• 1. No investment or hired labour is required
to gather the crop • 2. Source of assured income from urban and roadside marketing • 3. Ignorance of the ecology, biology and phenology of the species • 4. Distrust of the forest dept. officials Reasons for conflicts
• The mushroom gatherers V/S the forest
guards:- Over the enforcement of the ban • The mushroom consumers V/S the forest dept.:- for not permitting abundant supply in market • The politicians V/S the forest dept:- Over harassment to their mycophilic political supporters Recent incidents show politicisation of the issue The Forest department issued conservation awareness material • In 2000, the forest department issued posters and stickers with Termitomyces heimii Natarajan to promote the cause of conservation of the genetic diversity of Termitophilic mushrooms of Goa The growing turnover despite the ban • Termitomyces mushrooms are mainly sold in urban markets • In 1984, the trade turnover was estimated to be about Rs. 5 lakhs • In 1993, the trade went up to Rs. 15 lakhs • In 2004, a single wholesaler in Panaji made a cool Rs. 20, 000 in a day Market forces would endanger Termitomyces genetic diversity of the western ghats
• The ban in Goa was restricted only to wild life
sactuaries and served a limited purpose • There was no ban for collection for self consumption for population inside the sanctuaries • Limits for sustainable exploitation were not prescribed • Demand supply equation favoured the suppliers • New entrants wish to explore untapped habitats for making some “easy money” during the season Sustainable Alternatives • Forest dept. launched awareness drive in 1993 • House committee supported ban and recommended popularisation of Oyster mushroom cultivation • Govt. trained more than 3000 people in free mushroom cultivation training camps since 1996 India does not have a policy or code for wild mushroom collectors
• Conservation of fungal habitats and fungi is
an important issue in EU countries and USA • BMS and British Nature are in forefront in mushroom conservation education • Experts are advising China to control wild mushroom trade Lessons from Goa • Mushroom conservation from wild habitats is possible with partial success • Consumer awareness is more important than collectors’ training • Edible wild mushrooms need to enjoy same status as wild game, frogs, turtles and dolphins • Commercial species have to be vigorously promoted to make the wild species less attractive to consumers • Top priority has to be given to save “what remains” Conclusions • The Goa experience shows that urban consumers do not have food ethics which respects wild habitats of edible fungi • Once wild mushrooms become part of ethnomycophagic traditions it is difficult to reverse the habit • People are prepared to pay any price for Termitomyces spp. as a seasonal wild gourmet delicacy • The mycological community needs to advocate polices and codes similar to EU and BMS