Lessons from Traditional Foraging Patterns in West Papua (Indonesia)

Insects and terrestrial invertebrates are presumed to have consistently contributed to the diet of our ancestors and it is estimated that nearly 2,000 insects still contribute worldwide to human nutrition. As elsewhere in the tropical world, insects are a part of the diet of West Papua (ex-Irian Jaya) populations. The distribution of insect food consumption on the western half of the island of New Guinea follows different patterns, depending on the environment and population subsistence economy. In the forest biome of the peripheral montane areas, many different insect species are collected but in small numbers, mainly by women and children. Insect collection occurs by chance, but is frequent, and possibly helps those most vulnerable to food shortages to complement their diet with some extra protein and fat. In the western lowlands, a complex cultural system is centered around the traditional staple: sago (Metroxylon sagu and M. rumphii). The pith of this palm, which grows spontaneously in the swampy forest plains, contains a high amount of starch and is easily gathered by the local people. The beetle Rhynchophorus ferrugineus papuanus is strictly associated with the sago palm and oviposits especially on damaged or felled trees. Villagers so manage the sago palms to increase palm-worm oviposition and to collect a consistent number of larvae about 6 weeks later. This ancient sago culture, favored by an abundant and reliable resource, has developed a rich ceremonial life connected with sago larvae consumption. Ecological, economic, and cultural factors influencing the variety of insect consumption modalities are taken into account here. The development of local, small-scale invertebrate breeding systems can contribute to the development of sustainable, renewable resources, and protect tropical forests from degradation.