It has entered the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
IUCN has placed the fungus, known for its aphrodisiac and rejuvenation properties, in the ‘vulnerable’ category.
The fungus, also known as keeda jadi in Uttarakhand because of its caterpillar-like appearance, is endemic to the Himalayan and Tibetan plateau and is found in China, Bhutan, Nepal and India.
In India, it is primarily found in Uttarakhand in the higher reaches of districts like Pithoragarhand Chamoli.
.PNG)