INSECTS AS FOOD OF THE IRIAN-JAYA POPULATIONS

Insects and terrestrial invertebrates are presumed to have consistentl y contributed to the diet of our ancestors and it is estimated that 13 86 insects are still adopted worldwide for human nutrition. As elsewhe re in the tropical world, insects are a part of the diet of Irian Jaya populations. The distribution of insect food consumption on the weste rn side of New Guinea island follows different patterns, according to the environment and to population subsistence economy. In the forest b iome of the periferic mountain areas, many different insect species ar e collected in small numbers, mainly by women and children. Insect col lection occurs by chance but probably helps these subjects, the most v ulnerable to possible food-shortages, to complement their diet with so me extra proteins and fats. In the western lowlands, a complex cultura l system is centered around the traditional staple: sago (Metroxylon s agu and rumphii). The pit of this palm, which grows spontaneously in t he swampy forest plains, contains a high amount of starch and is easil y gathered by the local people. A beetle (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus pa puanus) is strictly linked to the sage palm and oviposits especially o n damaged or felled specimens. Villagers manage the sage palms in orde r to increase palmworm oviposition and to collect a consistent number of larvae about 6 weeks later. This ancient sage culture, favoured by an abundant and reliable resource, has developed a rich ceremonial lif e connected with sage larvae consumption. Ecologic, economic and cultu ral factors influencing the variety of insect consumption modalities a re taken into account. The development of local, small-scale invertebr ate breeding systems can contribute to the development of sustainable, renewable resources and protect tropical forests from degradation.