Modelling habitat and spatial distribution of the edible insect Henicus whellani Chop (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) in south-eastern districts of Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Chemura ◽  
R. Musundire ◽  
L. Chiwona-Karltun
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Vegetation Density ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality

Edible insects present unique opportunities for food and nutrition security in many African communities. However, the characteristics of habitats and spatial distribution of edible insects is not known and yet it is important for understanding their ecology, planning harvesting and conservation activities in the wild. The edible ground cricket (Henicus whellani) Chopard (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) is an edible insect consumed in south eastern Zimbabwe with protein content >50% on dry matter basis but harvesting is largely random and opportunistic. The aim of this study was to apply the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) presence-only species distribution modelling approach to understand the factors influencing distribution of H. whellani and map the potential areas for harvesting and conservation of the species. Geographical locations of sites where H. whellani is currently present were obtained from field reports from communities. Seven geographical factors which are mean annual temperature, temperature seasonality, mean annual precipitation, seasonality of precipitation, soil type, elevation, vegetation density and land cover were used to run the model. The model showed a high prediction accuracy for H. whellani (AUC=0.86) indicating that the model can be used with confidence to predict distribution and potential habitats in S.E Zimbabwe. Results showed that soil type (46.7%) and vegetation density (17.5%) are the most important factors determining the distribution of H. whellani. The hotspots for H. whellani were identified and closely followed specific soil and vegetation gradients in the area. The model considered temperature (3.9%) and elevation (0.6%) as the least important factors in H. whellani distribution. The produced distributed maps can be used for planning efficient harvesting and conservation of this nutritious edible insect in Zimbabwe.

Relative importance of climate, vegetation, and spatial factors in the community and functional composition of wood-inhabiting fungi in discontinuously distributed subalpine spruce forests

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu Fukasawa ◽  
Kimiyo Matsukura ◽  
Yoko Ando ◽  
Satoshi N. Suzuki ◽  
Kunihiro Okano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brown Rot ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Functional Composition ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Picea Jezoensis ◽  
Spatial Factors ◽  
Brown Rot Fungi ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality ◽  
Study Sites

Wood-inhabiting fungi are critically important for the decomposition of coarse woody debris (CWD). To evaluate the relative importance of climate, vegetation, and spatial factors in the functional composition of fungal communities that inhabit CWD in discontinuously distributed subalpine Hondo spruce (Picea jezoensis (Sieb. & Zucc.) Carr. var. hondoensis (Mayr) Rehder) forests, a metabarcoding analysis was conducted on spruce deadwood samples obtained from six subalpine forests in central Japan using a high-throughput DNA sequencing technique. We detected 454 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 67 spruce CWDs and determined that spatial factors explained a larger fraction of community variation than environmental (climate and vegetation) factors at all six study sites. However, environmental factors explained a larger fraction than spatial factors if we excluded data from one site that is geographically distant from other study sites. The OTU number and the occurrence of brown-rot fungi were positively associated with mean annual temperature and negatively associated with mean annual precipitation. Similarly, the principal component of forest vegetation significantly affected the OTU number and occurrence of brown-rot fungi. Precipitation seasonality was positively associated with the OTU number of undefined saprotrophs. These results suggest that fungal OTUs belonging to different functional groups respond differently to environmental variables.

scholarly journals Density-Based Soil Organic Carbon Fractionation: Experimental Method Comparison and Influential Factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolu Sun ◽  
Michael G. Ryan ◽  
Osbert Jianxin Sun ◽  
Zuoxin Tang
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Experimental Method ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Climate Condition ◽  
Soc Fractions

Abstract Background: Because soil organic carbon (SOC) variation is a result of its physicochemical protection, fractionating SOC into different functional subpools according to its protection mechanism and studying the mechanism of different SOC fractions’ responses to environmental change will help guide the study of SOC dynamics. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of density-based SOC fractionation of 107 study sites from 35 literature sources to answer the following questions: (1) Will different fractionation methods yield different amounts in the three organic carbon pools: free organic carbon (FOC), occluded organic carbon (OOC) and mineral associated organic carbon (MOC)? (2) Does the distribution of these three SOC fractions differ with climate (mean annual temperature, MAT; mean annual precipitation, MAP), soil characteristics (e.g., soil layer, soil type, clay content) or vegetation type when controlling for any method differences?Results: Experimental method significantly affected OOC and MOC but not FOC results, and OOC separated by density and soil physical dispersion (density+disperse) was underestimated, thus a suitable SOC fractionation method should be carefully selected. SOC and MOC contents were negatively related to MAT; and highest SOC content appeared at moderate MAP, and when MAP increased or decreased, SOC decreased. SOC, FOC, and MOC were significantly affected by vegetation type; presumably due to anthropogenic disturbance or precipitation, plantations, grass and rainforest had the lower SOC contents and higher OOC and MOC percentages; and conifer, broadleaf, and mixed forests had similar FOC, OOC and MOC percentages, indicating less effect of tree species on SOC variation. The contents of both SOC and each fraction decreased in deeper sol layer; SOC, FOC and OOC contents were significantly affected by soil type; and SOC and MOC contents were negatively related to soil clay content, but the influences of soil characters on SOC and its fractions were less than experimental method and climate condition.Conclusion: Experimental methods for fractionation of SOC significantly affected fraction results. Climate, vegetation type and soil character also significantly influenced SOC and its factions, but the influences of soil characters on SOC and its fractions were not as strong as experimental method and climate condition.

Survey of edible insect consumption in south-eastern Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.I. Ebenebe ◽  
M.I. Amobi ◽  
C. Udegbala ◽  
A.N. Ufele ◽  
B.O. Nweze
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Cooking Methods ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Long Period ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
The Past ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Protein Supply

Edible insect consumption called entomophagy is very important in ensuring food security especially in a developing country like Nigeria, but promotion of entomophagy after a long period of adoption of western diets demands a comprehensive inventory of edible insect consumption in the past. At present, there is little or no repository of document with comprehensive information on edible insects consumed in the south eastern states of Nigeria and methods of use is also scarce in literature. It becomes imperative to assess edible insect consumption in the region as a background for promotion of entomophagy in the area. The study used questionnaires and oral interviews to obtain information on types of edible insects consumed, season of harvest, cooking methods, local dishes with edible insects, people’s reaction to edible insect consumption, challenges of entomophagy business and ethno-cultural beliefs on edible insect consumption. Of the 2,000 individuals sampled, 56.4% were males, 43.6% females, with 22.4% children, 19.6% teenagers, 24.2% young adults, 16.6% older adults and 17.2% aged above 60 years of age. The result showed that seventeen insect species belonging to six orders were consumed and harvesting is mainly during the rains, though some recorded year round availability. Restricted seasonal availability and high collecting costs are among the reported barriers to edible insect consumption The most common cooking methods documented in the study were frying or roasting. Six traditional dishes were found to include edible insects. Four ethno-cultural beliefs on some edible insects were also documented. Edible insect farming is therefore recommended as a strategy to bridge the gap between insect protein supply and demand in the region.

Edible insects and their acceptance in Western Societies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pijus Jauniskis ◽  
Eleni Michopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Development ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Insect Development ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Tourism Product ◽  
Tourism Experience ◽  
Cultural Sphere ◽  
Self Discovery ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

This paper examines current literature on edible insect consumption in western culture through an inductive lens, addressing environmental, nutritional, food security, anthropological and psychological aspects of the topic. Findings show that western aversion towards edible insects is deeply psychological and cultural, mostly ignoring the pleasure dimensions such as taste, texture and flavour. The nature of the problem appears to be predominantly social. Results suggest that a beneficial route of introducing edible insects into the western diet could be formed through a societal perspective. Tourism and hospitality can potentially play a big part in the edible insect development. For instance, food as a tourism product can attract visitors from different backgrounds whilst food consumption as a tourism experience subliminally promises an experience of novelty and potential newfound pleasure in food. Food as an integral part of various cultures and local heritages entails local dishes that can be considered ‘cultural artifacts’ and their consumption symbolises the consumption of ‘other’. Tourism experiences can expose an individual to lasting personal change, self-discovery and intellectual development. Hence, taking into consideration that acquiring new cultural knowledge increases openness to experience, it is possible that tourism could contribute to adopting the practice of insect consumption in the western cultural sphere.

Insect Allergens on the Dining Table

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Yong Jeong ◽  
Jung-Won Park
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Arginine Kinase ◽  
House Dust Mites ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Dust Mites ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
Inhalant Allergens

Edible insects are important sources of nutrition, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Recently, edible insects have gained considerable interest as a possible solution to global exhaustion of the food supply with population growth. However, little attention has been given to the adverse reactions caused by insect consumption. Here, we provide an overview of the food allergens in edible insects and offer insights for further studies. Most of the edible insect allergens identified to date are highly cross-reactive invertebrate pan-allergens such as tropomyosin and arginine kinase. Allergic reactions to these allergens may be cross-reactions resulting from sensitization to shellfish and/or house dust mites. No unique insect allergen specifically eliciting a food allergy has been described. Many of the edible insect allergens described thus far have counterpart allergens in cockroaches, which are an important cause of respiratory allergies, but it is questionable whether inhalant allergens can cause food allergies. Greater effort is needed to characterize the allergens that are unique to edible insects so that safe edible insects can be developed. The changes in insect proteins upon food processing or cooking should also be examined to enhance our understanding of edible insect food allergies.

What's eating North America's edible insect industry? An examination of psychological, cultural and regulatory barriers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Christl Li ◽  
Sean B. Cash ◽  
Julie Lesnik ◽  
Timothy S. Griffin ◽  
Joel Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
The Us ◽  
Structural Barrier ◽  
Regulatory Barriers ◽  
Specific Regulation

Abstract Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada.

scholarly journals Biological and extrinsic correlates of extinction risk in Chinese lizards

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxi Zhong ◽  
Chuanwu Chen ◽  
Yanping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Extrinsic Factors

Abstract China is a country with one of the most species rich reptile faunas in the world. However, nearly a quarter of Chinese lizard species assessed by the China Biodiversity Red List are threatened. Nevertheless, to date, no study has explicitly examined the pattern and processes of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards. In this study, we conducted the first comparative phylogenetic analysis of extinction risk in Chinese lizards. We addressed the following three questions: 1) What is the pattern of extinction and threat in Chinese lizards? 2) Which species traits and extrinsic factors are related to their extinction risk? 3) How can we protect Chinese lizards based on our results? We collected data on ten species traits (body size, clutch size, geographic range size, activity time, reproductive mode, habitat specialization, habitat use, leg development, maximum elevation, and elevation range) and seven extrinsic factors (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, mean annual solar insolation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), human footprint, human population density, and human exploitation). After phylogenetic correction, these variables were used separately and in combination to assess their associations with extinction risk. We found that Chinese lizards with small geographic range, large body size, high habitat specialization, and living in high precipitation areas were vulnerable to extinction. Conservation priority should thus be given to species with the above extinction-prone traits so as to effectively protect Chinese lizards. Preventing future habitat destruction should also be a primary focus of management efforts because species with small range size and high habitat specialization are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

scholarly journals Possibilities of the Development of Edible Insect-Based Foods in Europe

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Magdalena Skotnicka ◽  
Kaja Karwowska ◽  
Filip Kłobukowski ◽  
Aleksandra Borkowska ◽  
Magdalena Pieszko
Keyword(s):  
Material Processing ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
The Other ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Mineral Salts ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
The World ◽  
The One

All over the world, a large proportion of the population consume insects as part of their diet. In Western countries, however, the consumption of insects is perceived as a negative phenomenon. The consumption of insects worldwide can be considered in two ways: on the one hand, as a source of protein in countries affected by hunger, while, on the other, as an alternative protein in highly-developed regions, in response to the need for implementing policies of sustainable development. This review focused on both the regulations concerning the production and marketing of insects in Europe and the characteristics of edible insects that are most likely to establish a presence on the European market. The paper indicates numerous advantages of the consumption of insects, not only as a valuable source of protein but also as a raw material rich in valuable fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral salts. Attention was paid to the functional properties of proteins derived from insects, and to the possibility for using them in the production of functional food. The study also addresses the hazards which undoubtedly contribute to the mistrust and lowered acceptance of European consumers and points to the potential gaps in the knowledge concerning the breeding conditions, raw material processing and health safety. This set of analyzed data allows us to look optimistically at the possibilities for the development of edible insect-based foods, particularly in Europe.

The climatic, topographic and litho-tectonic characteristics of badlands in Turkey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aydogan Avcioglu ◽  
Tolga Gorum ◽  
Abdullah Akbas ◽  
Mariano Moreno de las Heras ◽  
Omer Yetemen
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Spatial Coherence ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
Controlling Factors ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Anatolian Plateau ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality

<p>Badland areas are present in all continents, excluding Antarctica, and play a critical role in establishing local erosion and sedimentation rates. The presence of unconsolidated rocks (e.g., marls, sandstone, mudstone etc.) is a major driver controlling the distribution of badlands, which together with other environmental components, such as climate, tectonics, vegetation, and topography, determine their forms and processes. The mutual interaction of controlling factors in badlands areas provides a basis for developing a holistic approach to clarify their distribution patterns. Turkey's geodynamic evolution has led to the emergence of marine sedimentary rocks, pyroclastics, and continental clastics, especially in line with the uplift of the Anatolian Plateau and volcanism during the last 8 Ma.</p><p>This study aims to explore the country-scale distribution of badlands and the controlling factors of this badland distribution in Turkey. Remarkably wide badlands landscapes (4494 km<sup>2</sup>) have been visually inspected using Google Earth Pro<sup>TM</sup> to further digitize and extract geomorphological units by applying high-resolution multispectral images provided by WorldView-4/Maxar Technology and CNES/Airbus. To obtain exact boundaries, we eliminated contiguous flat areas surrounding the identified badlands by using red relief image map (RRIM) mosaics that express surface concavity and convexity combined with topographic slope derived from a digital elevation model of 5-m spatial resolution. Last, to determine the controlling factors of badlands distribution, we have compiled a global data set comprising 1-km resolution layers of mean annual precipitation, temperature and precipitation seasonality, aridity, NDVI, rainfall erosivity factor, elevation, and majority values of regional lithology in sub-catchments units. The enhanced investigation of the complex relationship that expresses the controlling factors of badlands distribution, has been conducted by K-means unsupervised cluster analysis.</p><p>Our comprehensive regional analyses exploring the distribution and environmental attributes of major Turkish badlands identified five different groups or clusters of badlands that display spatial coherence with climatic and tectonic settings. We argue that Turkey's climatic and topographic transition zones, varying from Mediterranean climate dominated areas to the more arid Central Anatolian Plateau, and tectonically‑induced topographic barriers play a relevant role in discriminating these groups of badlands. Moreover, the Anatolian diversity of sedimentary rocks, which consists of Neogene and Paleogene continental clastics, volcano clastics & pyroclastics, and lacustrine deposits, makes an essential contribution to the identified, extensive badland distribution.</p><p>This study has been produced benefiting from the 2232 International Fellowship for Outstanding Researchers Program of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) through grant 118C329. The financial support received from TUBITAK does not mean that the content of the publication is approved in a scientific sense by TUBITAK.</p>

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