Context

• The world’s costliest fungus — Ophiocordyceps sinensis — also known as ‘Himalayan Viagra’, which sells in international markets for upwards of Rs 20 lakh per kg, has entered the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

About the Fungus

• The fungus, known for its aphrodisiac and rejuvenation properties, in the ‘vulnerable’ category.
• Its spread has declined by at least 30% over the past 15 years as a result of overharvesting.
• 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 Pithoragarh and Chamoli.

Facts to Know

• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species this year has revealed that 32,441 species out of a total of 120,372 face extinction.
• In particular, almost a third (31%) of all lemur species in Madagascar are now critically endangered – just one step away from extinction – with 98% of them threatened. The North Atlantic Right Whale and the European Hamster have also been listed as critically endangered.

Back to Basics

• The IUCN list has nine categories — not evaluated, data deficient, least concern, near-threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild and extinct.