Touring Singye Dzong area for Cordyceps sinensis - A report
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal
&
Karma Jamtsho
Neten Tshering
Tshewang Dorji
July 9, 2006
Initial trip itinerary for the tour as planned
16/06/2006 - Yadi (Mongar) to
Khoma (For Serzhong staffs)
17/06/2006 - Khoma to Tsangwa
18/06/2006 - Tsangwa to
Thangkarmo
19/06/2006 - Thangkarmo to
Raelmoteng (Rongmateng for most)
20/06/2006 - Raelmoteng (Halt at
Raelmoteng for meeting with locals)
21/06/2006 - Raelmoteng to
Phomoche
22/06/2006 - Phomoche to Thangchenpo
23/06/2006 - Thangchenpo to
Garula
24/06/2006 - Garula (halt for
meeting with Shingphel colleagues)
25/06/2006 - Garula to
Thangchenpo
26/06/2006 - Thangchenpo to
Phomoche
27/06/2006 - Phomoche to
Raelmoteng
28/06/2006 - Raelmoteng to Singye
Dzong
29/06/2006 - Singye Dzong (Halt
for meeting with Dubdhey Lam and others)
30/06/2006 - Singye Dzong to
Youmthrameyma Latsho
01/07/2006 - Youmthrameyma Latsho
to Singye Dzong
02/07/2006 - Singye Dzong to
Neyrimthang
03/07/2006 - Neyrimthang to
Tshokar
04/07/2006 - Tshokar to
Neyrimthang
05/07/2006 - Neyrimthang to
Singye Dzong
06/07/2006 - Singye Dzong to
Thangkarmo
07/07/2006 - Thangkarmo to
Tsangwa
08/07/2006 - Tsangwa to Khoma
09/07/2006 - Khoma to Yadi (For
Serzhong staffs)
Touring group
- Mr. Karma Jamtsho, Park Range Officer, Khoma as Team
Leader
- Mr. Neten Tshering, Park Guard, Khoma Park Range
- Mr. Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, Sr. Park Ranger,
Serzhong Park Range
- Mr. Tshewang Dorji, Sr. Park Guard, Serzhong Park
Range
- Mr. Tsaripa, Reesoop, Khoma Gewog, Lhuentse
Tour team at Youm Thramae Lhatsho
Abstract
One of the main objectives of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is to
maintain ecological integrity of the ecologically highly valuable snow capped
mountains to their eternity. Keeping in mind the aforementioned mandate of the
protected area two teams of staffs are deployed to the two border areas of
Singye Dzong in Lhuentse and Shingphel in Trashiyangtse on annual basis during
the months of June and July. This tour is mandated by the management plan, guided
by the recent Royal Command allowing the residents of high altitude areas to
harvest Cordyceps sinensis and is recommended by the head of the
management and the Department of Forests to understand the situation in the
alpine areas and along the international borders.
Specific objectives of the tour
As mentioned in the abstract part
of the report the objectives of the tour are as per the management mandates
mentioned below.
- Patrol the Cordyceps
sinensis growing areas in and around Singye Dzong.
- Control the entry of foreign intruders (if any)
across Gangla - a pass known to have access to the Chinese occupied Tibet.
The management has record of intruders collecting the medicinal plant, Cordyceps sinensis from our area.
- Issue permits for collection of Cordyceps sinensis to the residents of Singye Dzong as per the
legalization guidelines of the Royal Government 2004 through Royal
Command. However, this could not be done as the information for change in
collection timing was received late.
- To control and
supervise the collection of the Fungi by the people who have been given
legal right to do so with technical guidance from the Department of
Forests.
- To inform the people of changes in dates about the
collection timing. This year the last date for collection of the fungi was
kept as 15th June unlike the past system of collection allowed till 30th
June. The change in timing has been based on the recommendations of the
research wing of the Agriculture Ministry of the Royal Government.
- To check any illegal activities that happen in the
fur flung areas of the protected area
- Update and inform the management of any new things
that are happening across the touring area.
- Check and update people of this terrains about the
latest changes in forest rules
- Support rural people through observation and
recommendations to the management as to how the things have to happen as
per law so they are benefited.
Part I: Cordyceps sinensis
monitoring and collection
I. Cordyceps sinensis
habitats in Khoma Park Range specifically Singye Dzong areas
From the experiences in the past two years and this year and
as per the information received from the local residents the following are the
areas where Cordyceps sinensis are known to grow either in pieces or in plenty;
1. Tshomkoh crossing Thangchenpo
This place called Tshomkoh at an altitude of about 4600m is known to
have Cordyceps
2. Lehikema
below Thangchenpo
Lehikema (4000m) also known for having Cordyceps had not a piece this time
3. Thangchenpo (4255m)
Even the research plot laid in June 2005 at
Thangchenpo did not bear a single Cordyceps
4. Garula (5055m) Pemithang (4200m)Even at Garula Pemithang (area under Dungzam
Park Range) where plenty are known to grow (according to local sources) one
could hardly find the Cordyceps
accepting our local guide Kookpa Sonam Jamtsho resident of Thangchenpo who
could locate at least six pieces of them in about one and half hour.
5. Neyrimthang
Neyrimthang above Singye Dzong, which is known for the fungus, was
found as bare as other Cordyceps
growing areas this year
6. Youm Thramayma Latsho area
Areas around this basin is known to grow Cordyceps in the past save for this year
7. Tshokar and Tshonag basins
Tshokar with Gangla (international
border) in
background Tshonag basin dark and deep
The areas around this two lakes are known to have Cordyceps but for this year
Ophiocordyceps sinensis economically
viable and ecologically high mountains species
II. Other Cordyceps habitats in the Park Range
having minimal growth - lower areas
- The ridge across Phuna
According
to the local residents a larger kind of Cordyceps
used to be found on the ridge crossing Phuna (mixed conifer and cool
broadleaved forest). The place is about two hours walk from Tsikang JCP (Joint
Check Post) of Royal Bhutan Army and Indian Army at an altitude of about 2780m
with the geo-coordinate of 910 18' 73" Easting and 270 49'
81" Northing. The place has at least two herders hut and is known to keep
yaks in winter months.
- Thangkarmo
This
place a common halting place for all the visitors' alike, pilgrims, officials
on duty or anyone faring well to Singye Dzong is known to show some kind of Cordyceps. Herders say that they fungi
are found among the grasses and in the bushes while looking for others things
they require. According to the residents these are not worth collecting as only
negligible quantity of them are found.
Julue and Toe Toe Japhu area
They are also
known to grow in the localities mentioned above but in small quantities. The
geo-coordinates, altitude and the quantum of Cordyceps grown are presented below in the table.
- Dhogsoom & Terja areas
Cordyceps are also found in the
aforementioned areas though not in large quantities. According to them those Cordyceps found in the forests are
larger and have taller appearances than those found in the alpine areas.
III. Geo - locations of the Cordyceps
growing sites in the Range as understood so far
- Higher areas meaning alpine meadows
Cordyceps growing place
|
Altitude (m)
|
X geo-coordinates
|
Y geo-coordinates
|
Approximate Quantity
|
Tshomkoh
|
4539
|
910 26' 56"
|
270 55' 51.1"
|
Available but little
|
Lehikema
|
4000
|
910 27' 01"
|
270 57' 20"
|
Available but little
|
Thangchenpo
|
4250
|
910 26' 65"
|
270 58' 25"
|
Available but little
|
Garula
|
5043
|
910 26' 41.9"
|
270 56' 33.7"
|
Better than other areas
|
Neyrimthang
|
4005
|
910 18' 42"
|
270 01' 50"
|
Better than other areas
|
Youm Thramayma Latsho
|
4774
|
910 16' 20.2"
|
270 56' 06.7"
|
Better than other areas
|
Tshokar
|
4256
|
910 17' 42"
|
270 00' 54"
|
Available but little
|
Tshonag
|
4250
|
910 17' 27"
|
270 59' 92"
|
Available but little
|
Toenlay
|
4000
|
910 27' 01"
|
270 57' 20"
|
Available but little
|
b. Lower areas meaning forested grazing areas below 3500m
Cordyceps growing place
|
Altitude (m)
|
X geo-coordinates
|
Y geo-coordinates
|
Approximate quantity
|
Phuna
|
2780
|
910 18' 73"
|
270 49' 81"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Chuna
|
2870
|
910 19' 13"
|
270 51' 03"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Thangkarmo
|
2900
|
910 19' 45"
|
270 53' 40"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Julue
|
3030
|
910 19' 18"
|
270 52' 69"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Toe Toe Japhu
|
3082
|
910 19' 52"
|
270 55' 01"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Terja
|
3100
|
910 20' 08"
|
270 55' 12"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
Dhogsoom
|
3215
|
910 20' 36"
|
270 57' 18"
|
Large fungi but negligible
|
NB
The
approximate quantity part of the story in the table above pertains to the trend
in the past and not this year. This year there was no collection owing to non -
availability of the fungus added to it the close up of the collection timing to
June 15 instead of June 30 in the past.
IV. Reasons for non -
availability of the Cordyceps sinensis
this time
- Late visit to the fungi growing sites
While it is very difficult to
mention the reasons as to why the fungi are missing this time it is possible
that the fungi has already been matured and that the growing sites has been
visited late this time. All the fungi thus got perished and so the sites bore
no fungi during our visit.
- Possibly alternative year growth
The residents collected about a
Bangchu (a platy traditional bamboo basket) of fungi last year and added the
quantity to the auction, which means even in a good season the quantity, is not
so high. Therefore, it can be inferred as the quantity being naturally less
added to which is our colleagues suggesting and believing that the fungi may be
growing better in alternative years that can be scientifically not true at all.
V. Recommendations regarding the collection of the fungi
- The team would like to suggest the early tour for the
collection permission and monitoring in the coming years.
- The team also would like to suggest that further
research be done as to really know the missing story this time.
- Since the collection made so far has been very less,
the people be allowed to sale the product piece by piece on their own even
if the collection is done in groups giving them the freedom to deal
outside auction. So much time cannot be consumed such a little product.
- The collection be allowed as soon as the announcement
has been made through BBS without having to wait for the Foresters arrival
for issuing permit especially now as the research has allowed collection
of what is available without having to keep some fungi on the ground
unlike the past rule.
VI. Meeting with people of Raelmoteng
- Information
passed
The Khoma Ranger
passed on the message of the recent decision of the Royal Government to have
the collection of Cordyceps done as per
the suggestions made by Research wing of the Agriculture Ministry, which allows
people to collect all Cordyceps available without having to
keep any pieces on the ground unlike the past rules. He informed the people
that the collection timing for the fungi has been differed to 15th June as the
last date instead of 30th June unlike the last year.
Some people
suggested that the timing for them has not been good as the growth of the fungi
would start only after the snow has been melted to which the Ranger informed
them that such suggestions has been ordered by the Government with
recommendations from the research. Therefore, they were to adhere to the orders
of the Government.
One of the
residents suggested that they be allowed to collect the fungi as soon as the
BBS announcement without having to wait for Forest personnel to come to their
place. The Ranger informed them that the matter would be taken up for
discussion with the management and necessary information passed accordingly
after discussing the issue with the management.
- Decision made
ü
All the matters discussed in the meeting to be
passed to the management for solutions and that the information to be
disseminated to them as soon as possible.
ü
That they will adhere to latest rules of the
government while collecting the fungi
ü
That they will cooperate with the management in
conservation activities in their area
Part II: Places of cultural importance and halt from Khoma till Singye
Dzong
- Tsangwa
- villages of Dhenchung and Khomakang first day halt. This village is in
the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Tsikang
- JCP for RBA and Indian Army
- Bafoh
and Terdaphu
- Tsikang
Gongma
- Phuna
- Pasture with herder's hut
- Chuna
- Pasture with herder's hut
- Gonu/Loongpu
- Pasture with herder's hut
- Julue
- Pasture with herder's hut
- Thangkarmo
- Public halt place with a shed - Place for second day halt
- Snow timing
The residents told us that the
timing depended on snow. As soon as the snow melts the fungi would rise up just
within two to three days and that it is always possible that late snow melt
means degeneration of the fungi. Science may however suggest different after
all common man's knowledge is common man's knowledge.
- False collection tactics
While faulty collection tactics
can be one reason it cannot be ascertained without further research. It is
therefore fair that growth shall be closely monitored in the coming years.
The Khoma Ranger and his staff colleague at Thangkarmo shed
10. Manihog - Pasture with shed
11. Toe
Toe Japhu a cave with history of a Lam finding a unique bird moving by
12. Bumdelaptsa
and Terja (has shed) - a pasture
13. Dhoogsoom
Diversion
14. Dhogsoom
to Raelmoteng
15. Dhogsoom
to Singye Dzong
16. From
Raelmoteng it is Zoray, Melung Zampa, Jaloochagsa, Phomoche and finally
Thangchenpo after which is Garula, Tshomkohla and Yandro.
Thangchenpo Phomoche
Patrolling team at Garula from
where BWS headquarter was contacted on the radio set Part III: Wildlife sightings
The following wild life sighted during the tour of the
Cordyceps areas in Khoma Park Range
1. Mammals
i.
Blue
sheep - Pseudios nayuar at Garula and Neyrim Dzong between
Tshokar and Tshonag sighted
ii.
Royle's
Pika - Ochotona roylii in Singye Dzong sighted
iii.
Himalayan
Serow - Nemerrhadous sumatraensis - sighted near Zoray
iv.
Musk
Deer - Moschus chrysogaster droppings and bristles found at
Phomoche
v.
Beech
Martin - Martes foina sighted before Yanglapang
vi.
A
sounder of Sus scrofa found near Yanglapang
vii. Himalayan/Siberian
Weasel - Mustela sibirica, did not sight but saw the tree trunk
hollow between Zoray and Raelmoteng while on journey. Our guide Mr. Chuthamba
confirms from the book its presence in that particular tree trunk.
Himalayan Stoat/Ermine - Mustela
erminea. Did not sight but its hide was used by one Mr. Thukten, a
Raelmoteng monk as a hanging material for his drum used for Thraelma
Rimdro as shown below
Mustela
erminea hide found in the hands
of a Tshampa
A Tshampa with Himalayan Stoat (Mustela
erminea) hide hanging from
his drum
This confirms the presence of the
Himalayan Stoat and thus the number of mammal list increased in the master
list.
i.
Himalayan Black Bear - Ursus thibetanus. Tracks found on the way to Raelmoteng after
Jaloochagsa.
Picture of Ursus thibetanus track between Milung Zampa and Jaloochagsa
i.
Snow Leopard - Panthera
uncia/Uncia uncia. Not sighted but confirmed by the kill the animal made
out of yak yearlings.
Uncia uncia the king of the snows
2. Aves
The Nature Conservation
Division’s ornithologist a couple of years back has assessed the avian fauna of
the Sanctuary. However to authenticate and genuine -nize his list what ever the
group know and found has been listed below.
i.
Snow pigeon sighted at three different places viz.
Garula, Tshokar and Thangchenpo
ii.
Tibetan Snow Cock; its dead body found below Lehikema
(Dechenphu)
The some predators of its kind could have
killed the Tibetan Snow Cock
i. White Capped Water Red Start at Singye Dzong
ii.
Ruddy Shell Duck at Tshokar
iii.
Alpine Accentor below Phomoche
iv.
Rose Finches at Phomoche
v.
White Collard Black Bird at Raelmoteng
vi.
Hill Partridge near Tsangwa
vii.
Snow Partridge at Garula
viii.
Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis
cruentus) - one of the most versatile species in Singye Dzong areas.
ix.
Blue Whistling Thrush at Raelmoteng
x.
Grandala at Singye Dzong
xi.
Spotted Nut Cracker at Youmthramayma Latsho
xii.
Sun birds on the way to Youmthramayma Latsho
xiii.
Red Billed Chough at Phomoche
These eggshells were left in its original place by the ever developing Ithaginis cruentus
NB
The list of birds presented above is those birds that
we know and those we have found on our way. Being under know-ledged in aves so
many of those found could not be recorded being unidentified for lack of skills
and know how.
Part IV: Miscellany
In this section all sorts of
points that have been left out will be reported and mentioned made of any
positive things to be shared and reported.
Wonderful flowers of Singye Dzong area
a. Rheum nobile
Locally called as Chukar Meto this flower can be found in
Thangchenpo and Youm Thramayma Latsho area. A man asked the Serzhong Ranger
about the difference of this flower tips. The ones found in Youm Thramayma
Latsho area have red tips as shown in the picture where as the ones in
Thangchenpo do not carry red tips, they are white. The Ranger could not answer
but saw the difference himself as in pictures below.
Youm Thramayma Latsho area Rheum nobile with red tips
Thangchenpo Rheum nobile without any colour on the tips
b. Primula sikkimensis
These flowers almost all the time
dominate the plains of the alpine areas and are a very beautiful flower.
These flowers are the beauties of the alpine
meadow; Thangchenpo
- Rhododendron
species
Locally
known as Taap, this beautiful flower bearing Rhododendrons trees
are the electricity for the alpine residents. They use them for heating
themselves up, cooking and of course fencing which ever is suitable. There are
however lot of other species as well.
The most common Rhododendron species found in Singye Dzong area
d. Meconopsis sinensis
Next to Primula are the Meconopsis
species of flowers that occupy the alpine areas of Singye Dzong. Pictures below
shall tell the flowers.
Meconopsis sinensis flower that abounds alpine Singye Dzong
The other
variety of Meconopsis is Meconopsis
horudula. Called as Guru Rimpoche's cucumber by local people for its stem
can be roasted and eaten, this flower can be seen in abundance in Thangchenpo.
This flower could be altitude specific as they are not seen lower down the
valley of Raelmoteng and others.
Meconopsis
horudula; Guru Rimpoche's
cucumber
e. Podophyllum species
A species known to have medicinal
value this flower has been noted for the third time as this year. The flower's
importance needs further studies so that they are understood better.
Podophyllum species that has high medicinal value
languish in our Sanctuary
Some important pictures of the Sanctuary
Gawa
Dzong the abode of Ap Terda Zorarakhi has been well repaired an year ago
Singye
Dzong Guard Post with Sanctuary staffs in view
Raelmoteng
Lhakhang built in 1973 by Kanjur Rimpoche today serve several purposes such as
hall for praying to place for sleeping for the Guests of our caliber. The
Youm Thramayma Latsho fall that can cost thousand dollars if marketed is heart
throbbing natural scene in our Sanctuary something one can be proud off
Part V: Conclusion
The overall
view of the tour and touring group is hereby put in for considerations and
comments from the management. While the objective of the tour must not have
been fulfilled, for instance controlling of the intruders entering the
Sanctuary area for collection of medicinal plants, the purpose of the tour
could have been of little value owing to reasons such as non - availability of
the Cordyceps because of which no
entry of the intruders into our area. However, there can't be a guarantee that
the people would not come along with another added no guarantee that the fungi
will not grow. Therefore, the tour has to be made and information fed to the
Government according to the situation.
A mention may
be made here that the Cordyceps has
defied growing this time in all possible areas of Singye Dzong accept for
Garula Pemithang which is not under the control of Lhuentse Dzongkhag nor the
Khoma Park Range whose border follows the Dzongkhag borders when it comes to
settling issues and issuing permits. Garula Pemithang belongs to Trashiyangtse
Dzongkhag because of which only Trashiyangtse area people can benefit.
All in all the
growth of Cordyceps this time in
Singye Dzong area has been nil, null or demeaning. The touring team to cross
check if what the residents say is correct by making a visit to all possible
sites has scoured all possible places. All possible fungi growing areas has
been thoroughly checked and confirmation made.
While Cordyceps production of higher volume
may not be possible even hereafter, it may fare well if management skills are
put to use after thorough research despite of its past records having revealed
not so much of them growing in these areas.
Therefore, the
Sanctuary management in particular and the Government at large if workable may
look into the possibilities of improving the growth of these fungi in the
already favorable areas so that those people living in the tough areas can be
immensely benefited. Our report however shall not mean that the studies should
be done and that the people should be supported. It simply means that if people
can be helped that can be great.
It is worth mentioning
here the request of our people residing in Raelmoteng that the timing for
picking the fungi is kept flexible. We have been made to understand that the
snow is the factor, which may hold not true to our scientists alike. The people
have given in written about the extension of timing that our Khoma Ranger has
been tasked to make it good for them through the kind permission of the
management and the Government.
The management
with this report is kindly requested to look into the matter and see for possibilities
of the time flexibilities or else make research people work in all Cordyceps areas instead of concentrating
in one area of Jigme Dorji National Park or other areas where maximum of the
fungi can be found.
Noto bene
I travelled length and breadth of Bumdeling Wildife Sanctuary since 1999 till the beginning of 2012 and this report is about one of these travels. That I have enjoyed travelling such places (sometimes twice a year) is a stark reminder that I did my job well enough to look back and smile as I grow old. I put this in my blog only to keep my report going, just a reminder to myself. If anyone wants to look at the information provided here, they are trust worthy, you can believe them.