Wild Mushrooms and Lichens used as Human Food for Survival in War Conditions; Podrinje - Zepa Region (Bosnia and Herzegovina, W. Balkan)

Abstract

During 2002-2005, research has been conducted within eastern Bosnia, on the use of mushrooms and lichens and their effect on people’s survival in war shelters and on isolated guerilla fighters in the area during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-95). 51 adults have been contacted for this research, including former soldiers who were holedup in the enclave during the siege between April 1992 and June 1995, when free territory was overtaken. At that time, residents of the area escaped and a number of defense soldiers formed guerilla groups. Using the method of “ethnobotanical” interview, 25 species of mushrooms and 7 species of lichens were used by interviewees during the siege. The most used mushrooms were: Agaricus campestris, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius. The most used lichens were Evernia prunastri (oak lichen) and Usnea sp. (Old Man’s Beard), used for porridge and for lichen flour.