Conservation awarness program.

The Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms of Himalaya. Around eighty per cent of local people of Api Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA) are depending on this species for their livelihood. Reliable and scientific information about the distribution of Yarsagumba and economic contribution of this species on local community is still lacking. This project is going to be conducted first time in ANCA, Nepal to find out scientific information on its distribution, habitat and economic contribution to different stakeholders. I will use parameters of distribution area and GPS points of field visit to prepare the distribution map. Arc GIS 10 will be used to prepare the distribution map. Potential habitats will be identified on the basis of similar parameters such as elevation, ground cover, land features, slope and vegetation types of current habitats. This habitat model will be helpful to identify the possible/potential habitats of this species. Parameters such as elevation, ground cover, land features, slope and vegetation types of current distribution area and potential habitats, ground truth GPS points and Arc GIS 10 software will be used to prepare habitat model map.

During field work we will visit all existing habitats and potential habitats of this species throughout the conservation area. We will collect GPS points for preparation of distribution map and habitat model map. We will meet with collectors, hotel conductors, herders, local business men and national level business men to get information about distribution area and economic contribution of this species on different sectors. Finally the project will conduct the conservation awareness programs to conserve this species and its habitats. The conservation awareness programs will be conducted in both village and in field. In conservation awareness programs the knowledge of the scientific information about Yarsagumba will be provided. We will flow the knowledge to conserve its habitats, to manage the garbage in collection area and to harvest this species in sustainable basis will also be provided to conserve this species and associated habitats. Pamphlets and booklets will be prepared for public distribution.