ISSN : 2663-2187

Entomophagy- A Sustainable and Cultural Practice: Insights from Communities in Raimona National Park, BTR, Assam

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Rajib Ratan Kashyap1a, Hatarkhi Mwchahary, Swmdwn Brahma1b, Barnali Barman, Dwarika Chouhan, Dippu Narzary, Jayanta Kr. Das
ยป doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.5.2024. 5356-5369

Abstract

In Assam, India, entomophagy is a widespread practice among various ethnic groups, contributing significantly to the region's cultural heritage. Assam's diverse ecosystem hosts a rich variety of insect species highly valued for their nutritional content, including proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally, communities in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) have depended on insect collection for sustenance and commercial purposes. Raimona National Park serves as a vital habitat for many insect species, providing an additional source of income for local residents. This study sampled ten villages within Raimona National Park to document wild edible insects and assess their cultural and commercial significance. The study identified twenty species from eight orders and fifteen families, with Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, being the most prevalent, primarily found in terrestrial habitats, particularly bushy forests. The findings underscore the commercial and sustainable potential of edible insects in BTR, Assam. Leveraging these resources sustainably could significantly benefit the local economy and promote eco-sustainability in the region along with their health benefits.

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