Edible caterpillars in central Cameroon: host plants, value, harvesting, and availability

ABSTRACT Caterpillars are among the most consumed, traded and economically valuable edible insects in the tropics, where they are excellent sources of proteins and fats for many indigenous peoples. Despite their contribution to global food security, little is known about the species traded as well as their host plants. Through market surveys, semi-structured interviews and field observations, we identified the edible caterpillars’ species commercialized in the Centre region of Cameroon and their host plants, estimated weights and retail values, examined perceptions of change over time, and discussed implications for management. Eleven species of caterpillars and 18 host trees were identified. Seven species accounted for a total of 69482 kg worth US$163,565 being traded annually by interviewed vendors (N = 32). Caterpillars were sold either fresh or smoked, and prices varied significantly among species and urban/rural markets. All hosts were trees from lowland rainforests, most having multiple uses (e.g. medicine, timber). Most vendors reported a decrease in caterpillar species’ abundance, mainly attributed to logging of host trees and climatic changes. Future management efforts could be centered on promoting semi-domestication of edible caterpillars and raising awareness on cultivation techniques of host trees.