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Entomophagy and insect conservation: some thoughts for digestion

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Abstract

There is an apparent contradiction between conserving insects and using them as food. Entomophagy can make a significant contribution to insect conservation if they are sustainably harvested in conjunction with appropriate habitat management. It can also be an alternative source of proteins for humans in order to reduce adverse environmental impacts of livestock production.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Asia and Pacific Office for the opportunity and assistance to attend the Forest Insects as Food: Humans Bite Back workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thank you to Patrick Durst (Senior Forest Officer), Dennis Johnson, and staff of the Forest Restoration Research Unit of Chiang Mai University.

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Correspondence to Alan L. Yen.

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Yen, A.L. Entomophagy and insect conservation: some thoughts for digestion. J Insect Conserv 13, 667–670 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-008-9208-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-008-9208-8

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