PANJIM: State government is considering imposing a total ban on the collection and consumption of local edible mushrooms ‘Roen Alami’ mushrooms from wild habitat in future as the species is supposedly threatened by overexploitation. a
Ahead of annual season of ‘Roen Alami’, the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has expressed fear that overexploitation of the wild mushroom may trigger another pandemic in form of quarantined Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV).
In a press statement issued through the Department of Information and Publicity (DIP), the GSBB said that overexploitation of Termitomyces mushrooms for over last 30 years had led to extinct of several species from the Western Ghat, which was house for 35-40 species out of 90 found across the world.
“The over exploitation over the past 30 years have reduced the local species seen in the market to only 5 to 7,” the Board said.
GSBB fears that overexploitation of these ecologically important mushrooms may also result in eruption or release of quarantined new forest diseases viz. KFDV.
“Hence, till the Government declares a total ban on the collection and consumption of mushrooms from wild habitat, the consumers need to discourage exploitation of these mushrooms and instead patronize the much cheaper, more nutritious and cleaner button and oyster mushrooms available in abundance in local markets,” the Board said.
“GSBB appeals all those involved in plucking, sorting, packing, roadside sale, market sale to leave behind at least 50 per cent young stages on the termite mounds for conservation of their diversity,” it added.
The Board noted that several scientists are researching these species to find new drugs and pharmaceuticals and hence any destruction will leave nothing for science.
The different varieties of wild mushroom include Khut or Khutyaliolami, Toshaliolami, Sonyaliolami and Chonchyaliolami.
Board has also appealed against over exploitation of non marketed smaller species of Termitomyces locally known as Shiti, Shitololami found at the end of monsoon.
