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Collecting insects, for home consumption or
sale, is a traditional activity in Lao PDR, where
at least 50 insect species are eaten throughout
the year. The most preferred and frequently
consumed insects are: (1) weaver ant larvae and
pupae; (2) short-tailed crickets; (3) crickets (house
and common crickets); (4) grasshoppers; and (5)
cicadas (Barennes 2010). Most of the edible
insects are caught in the wild, during harvesting
crops or while working in agricultural fields and
nearby forests (Yhoung-aree and Viwatpanich
2005). Forests cover more than 47 percent of
the geographical landmass in Lao PDR
(Sisouphanthong and Taillard 2000). Although
forest resources are more extensive than in
neighbouring countries, various species of flora
and fauna are endangered or threatened (Strigler
and Le Bihan 2001). Non-wood forest products
(NWFPs), including edible insects, provide 50
percent of the monetary income of many rural
villages, where 80 percent of the population lives.
The local use of NWFPs to sustain livelihoods
has been estimated to comprise 20 to 30 percent
of the gross national product (Foppes and
Dechaineux 2000). Insects are generally
considered to be ‘forest products’ by Lao people.
Indeed, some insects such as common skimmer
larvae, giant water bugs or grasshoppers are
primarily caught in forest streams, wetlands and
paddy fields close to forests.
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