Edible insects and their host plants: ethnobotanical insights from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC

Research in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC, reveals that 12 species of edible insects are consumed by local communities, with Imbrasia obscura, Imbrasia epimethea, and Epidonta brunneomixta being the most cited. The study also identifies 29 host plants, including 10 with timber value, suggesting potential for regulated insect harvesting within the park or promoting their abundance in agroforestry systems outside. Focus-group discussions with village elders across 27 villages provided insights into species distribution and cultural practices, highlighting the importance of edible insects as a food and income source in Central Africa's mountain regions.

Bulonvu, F., Imani, G., Bilonza, J., Mujawamariya, M., Kaplin, B. A., Benga, L., Ngute, A. S. K., Cirimwami, L., & Cuni-Sanchez, A. (2026). Edible insects and their host plants: ethnobotanical insights from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC. Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2026.2717694