22 Nepalis caught smuggling Yartsa Gumba in Valley of Flowers National Park

Twenty two persons belonging to Nepal were arrested from several places near Ghangharia, the base camp of Valley of Flowers National Park in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, District Chamoli, Uttarakhand, INDIA, who were trying to smuggle Yartsa Gambu or the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) which costs Rupees 10 lakh per kg ($ 20000/kg) in the local market and much more in the international market. It is used as an aphrodisiac as well as for strength and used especially by athletes as it is not detected in the dope test. The smugglers are found to have links with high profile people. The details are awaited. Will post them soon.

Snow leopard photographed in Nandadevi Biosphere Reserve

Snow leopard has been photographed using a camera trap near Malari in Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand, India. The photograph was taken on 10th April 2011, said Mr.B.K.Gangte, the Director of the reserve. Though several indirect evidences and direct sightings were there in the past, this is the first photographic evidence. Conservation efforts in this region has helped snow leopards to freely roam in their once forgotten territory. Blue sheep or Bharal is the main prey base, which has increased in the recent years due to anti-poaching activities by the forest department.