GSBB Urges Caution Against Overharvesting Wild Mushrooms
The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has urged the public to avoid consuming and marketing wild mushrooms like ‘Roen Alami’ due to rampant overharvesting threatening biodiversity. Since 2018, GSBB has raised awareness on conserving these fungi, traditionally protected by forest dwellers. However, rising demand has led to habitat degradation, illegal forest entries, and potential poisoning from misidentified species. GSBB recommends opting for cultivated button and oyster mushrooms instead. It appeals to pluckers to leave 50% of young mushrooms on termite mounds and avoid harvesting rare or immature varieties like Khutyaliolami, Toshaliolami, Sonyaliolami, and Shiti. The Board also stresses the importance of preserving wild species for future scientific research and urges private forest owners to aid conservation efforts
