Habitat Ecology of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Western Nepal

Shalik R Sigdel,Maan B Rokaya,Eryuan Liang,Zuzana Münzbergová

doi:10.1659/mrd-journal-d-16-00075.1

Abstract

As a valuable entomophagus fungus species, caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is endemic to the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining Himalayas. However, little is known about its ecological niche and habitat. We investigated its associated plant species and habitat across different sites in Dolpa, west Nepal, and explored how associated plant species and soil characteristics affect its density and growth during the months of June and July in 2 consecutive years. Detrended correspondence analysis was used to capture the distribution pattern of plant species. Principal component analysis was applied to visualize the gradients of the soil data, and generalized linear models were employed to test the effects of nutrients and vegetation on the availability and size of caterpillar fungus. A total of 33 plant species were frequently associated with caterpillar fungus across the investigated sites. The abundance of the fungus was significantly affected by vegetation composition, whereas the individual fungal traits were independent of soil nutrients or vegetation composition. Therefore, it is essential to protect associated plant species to better conserve caterpillar fungus at high elevations.

Highlights

Diverse animals, fungi, and plants have always been an integral part of life in the Himalayas (Shackleton and Pandey 2014)
Caterpillar fungus is endemic to the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining Himalayas (Winkler 2008)
Caterpillar fungus was found on rough terrain and welldrained landscapes at high elevations in Dolpa, Nepal

Summary

Introduction

Fungi, and plants have always been an integral part of life in the Himalayas (Shackleton and Pandey 2014). Caterpillar fungus is endemic to the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining Himalayas (Winkler 2008). The caterpillar fungus is considered a flagship species for the conservation of fungi and plays a significant role in maintaining healthy alpine ecosystems (Cannon 2011). It has a long history of use for nutritional and medicinal purposes, including as an antioxidant (Li et al 2001), hypoglycemic (Zhang et al 2006), and treatment for sexual dysfunction (Liu et al 1997) and against high lipid and cholesterol in blood (Francia et al 1999). Less attention has been paid to its conservation and sustainable use (Dahlberg 2001)

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