Context:
New research into a chemical produced by a caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment has revealed how it interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth signals.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis)
Biological Classification and Habitat:
- Caterpillar fungus is a fungal parasite that targets larvae of the ghost moth.
- It naturally occurs on the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent high Himalayan regions, at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,500 meters above sea level.
Local Names and Cultural Significance:
- Known regionally by various names: Kira Jari in India, Yartsagunbu in Tibet, Yarso Gumbub in Bhutan, Dong Chong Xia Cao in China, and Yarsagumba in Nepal.
Habitats in India:
- In India, it is found in alpine meadows within several protected areas including:
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
- Dehan-Debang Biosphere Reserve
Conservation Status:
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Vulnerable, highlighting its risk of extinction in the wild due to overharvesting and habitat loss.
-Source: The Hindu
