In the lush forests of southern districts, where biodiversity thrives in its myriad forms, one realm has remained largely uncharted until now—the realm of wild mushrooms. Despite the region’s reputation for rich ecological diversity, a comprehensive survey of its wild mushroom species had never been undertaken until recently.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Mushroom Centre, concluded a groundbreaking weeklong survey in Sarpang just yesterday. This endeavor was not merely an academic exercise but a critical step in understanding and documenting the diverse fungal species that call these forests home. With plans for the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City on the horizon, the timing of this survey becomes all the more pertinent, aiming to provide essential data to inform eco-tourism and conservation efforts in the region.
During the survey, researchers meticulously catalogued approximately 40 different mushroom species, identifying notable edible varieties such as termitomyces (locally known as goli shamu), wood ear (bjeli namcho), polyporus (kaw shamu), panus (shing shamu), and splitgill mushroom (tsintsiring bamung). This effort not only aimed to document these species but also to raise awareness among local communities about distinguishing between edible delicacies and potentially poisonous fungi.
Sabrita Pradhan, Senior Mushroom Officer at the National Mushroom Centre, emphasized the significance of the survey, highlighting the commonality of mushroom poisoning incidents and the need for community education on safe mushroom foraging practices. She expressed the Centre’s ambition to conduct surveys across all four seasons to comprehensively map out the fungal diversity, potentially uncovering species with economic and medicinal importance.
Local residents echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of knowing which mushrooms are safe to consume. Karma Tshewang from Gakiling Gewog shared concerns about the risks associated with consuming unidentified mushrooms and welcomed the awareness program as a safeguard against accidental poisoning.
Moreover, beyond their culinary uses, mushrooms hold promise for medicinal and economic exploitation, a fact not lost on researchers. Yeshey Wangmo from Gakiling Gewog noted the surprising economic potential of mushrooms beyond those typically found in markets, hinting at possibilities for local cultivation and economic empowerment.
Collaborating closely with the Sarpang Forest Division, ARDC Samtenling, and the local agriculture sector, the National Mushroom Centre plans to replicate similar surveys conducted in Bumthang and Thimphu. These initiatives mark a significant stride towards uncovering the full spectrum of Bhutan’s natural treasures, enriching our understanding of the country’s ecological tapestry.
As Bhutan prepares to embrace new developments like the Gelephu Mindfulness City, initiatives such as these underscore the importance of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation hand in hand. With each mushroom identified and documented, the prospect of sustainable eco-tourism ventures and localized medicinal discoveries grows brighter, promising a future where Bhutan’s natural heritage thrives in harmony with its people.
In the quest to uncover the mysteries of the forest floor, Bhutan takes another step towards a future where every species, no matter how small, contributes to the quality of life in this Himalayan kingdom.
