When parasitism brings prosperity: a case of Yarsagunbu (caterpillar fungus) harvesting and trade in Nepal

Article

Shrestha, Uttam Babu. 2019. "When parasitism brings prosperity: a case of Yarsagunbu (caterpillar fungus) harvesting and trade in Nepal." Studies in Nepali history and society. 24 (2), pp. 415-431.
Article Title

When parasitism brings prosperity: a case of Yarsagunbu (caterpillar fungus) harvesting and trade in Nepal

Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorShrestha, Uttam Babu
Journal TitleStudies in Nepali history and society
Journal Citation24 (2), pp. 415-431
Number of Pages17
Year2019
Place of PublicationNepal
Web Address (URL)http://www.martinchautari.org.np/index.php/52-publications/journals1/sinhas/41-editorial-team-of-sinhas
Abstract

Yarsagunbu is a relatively new commodity in Nepal. It appeared in trade roughly two decades ago, has now become the most hunted natural medicinal species in the country. This commentary on different dimensions of yarsagunbu harvesting and trade is primarily based on my personal observation gathered during the field research, conducted in various parts of Nepal since 2012. It provides accounts of the evolution of yarsagunbu as a dominant commodity in Nepal, socio-economic aspects of its harvesting and trade, and the impacts of the Maoist insurgency on the trade and community-based management. Along with the life history of this bizarre creature, this essay offers evidence of the recent socio-economic transformations in the remote mountain villages since large-scale yarsagunbu collection and trade has begun.

KeywordsYarsagunbu; socio-economic transformations; trade;
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020410406. Natural resource management
410499. Environmental management not elsewhere classified
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Byline AffiliationsInstitute for Life Sciences and the Environment
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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