The Conservation Crisis: Can Himalayan Gold Survive?

The cordyceps boom has been an economic lifeline for Himalayan communities — but it comes at a cost. Decades of intensive harvesting, combined with a warming climate that is pushing its habitat higher and reducing suitable ground, have caused yields to decline across much of its range.

In 2020 the IUCN added Ophiocordyceps sinensis to its Red List as Vulnerable, citing an estimated population decline driven by overexploitation and climate change.

Why sustainable sourcing matters

Choosing responsibly harvested wild cordyceps — or sustainable cultivated militaris — helps reduce pressure on fragile alpine ecosystems and supports the communities who depend on them. It\'s one reason we champion lab-grown militaris alongside ethically wild-harvested sinensis.