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Jesse Vad united statesPhoto © Jesse Vad
title
Tibetan Caterpillar Fungus Nomads
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entry description
Even though Tibet's nomad population is decreasing due to government relocation and development programs, there are still many who live in the hills and mountains. Oftentimes these nomad families make a living by excavating and selling medicinal caterpillar fungus known as yartsa gunbu. The fungus grows on underground caterpillars and is said to be a cure for almost any ailment thus stimulating huge demand throughout China. These nomads invited me to join them and taught me how to scour the grassy hills for signs of the fungus. But due to the overwhelming demand the fungus is being over harvested and all the nomads I spoke with reported that it is more difficult to find these days.about the photographer
Jesse Vad is a teacher and amateur photographer based out of New Orleans, LA. He is passionate about exploring the world in order to use photography as a storytelling tool.back to gallery