35 Tibetans Arrested For Harvesting Caterpillar Fungus

1 month ago

Reported by Palden Edited By Pema Tso Translated By TenGyal

35 Tibetans were arrested in Tengchen County, Tibet, for harvesting caterpillar fungus (Scientific name: Cordyceps sinensis) without a permit, an offense that carries strict legal penalties.

Following the Chinese government’s implementation of a mandatory “Caterpillar Fungus Harvesting Permit” (冬虫夏草采挖证) in Tibetan regions, 35 Tibetans were arrested on May 12 in Tengchen County, Tibet. Authorities accused them of harvesting the fungus without the required permit. Their current condition and whereabouts remain unknown.

According to information gathered by Tibet Times, the Chinese government has for several years been issuing “caterpillar fungus harvesting permits” across Tibetan regions, including Tsognon (Qinghai) and Sichuan. To secure a permit, individuals are required to sub...

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