Edible Forest Insects as a Novel Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) and Their Contribution to the Forestry Economy

Öz

This study aims to reveal the potential of edible forest insects to be evaluated as a novel and value-added non-wood forest product (NWFP) for forestry enterprises in Türkiye and to examine this potential from a forestry economics perspective. A qualitative research approach was adopted, and literature review and document analysis were used as the main methods. Edible insect species listed in international databases were examined and compared with species occurring in Turkish forest ecosystems. The obtained data were analyzed in terms of biological characteristics, life cycles, and economic evaluation potential. The findings indicate that, in addition to some species belonging to the Tenebrionidae and Cynipidae families, forest pest species such as Gryllotalpa sp. (Orthoptera, Gryllotalpidae), Melolontha sp. (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae), Malacosoma sp. (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), and Tomicus piniperda (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) can be considered within the category of edible insects. The results suggest that these species may constitute an alternative source of income for forestry enterprises through controlled production and sustainable harvesting models. In addition, edible insects are identified as a significant economic opportunity in terms of export potential, development of value-added products, and sustainable food systems.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Business management
• Non-timber forest products
• Forest product marketing
• Edible insects

Yeni Bir Odun Dışı Orman Ürünü (ODOÜ) Olarak Yenilebilir Orman Böcekleri ve Ormancılık Ekonomisine Katkısı

Öz

Bu çalışmanın amacı, yenilebilir orman böceklerinin Türkiye’de ormancılık işletmeleri açısından yeni ve katma değerli bir odun dışı orman ürünü (ODOÜ) olarak değerlendirilme potansiyelini ortaya koymak ve ormancılık ekonomisi perspektifinden incelemektir. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yaklaşımı benimsenmiş olup yöntem olarak literatür taraması ve belge analizi kullanılmıştır. Uluslararası veri tabanlarında yer alan yenilebilir böcek türleri listeleri incelenmiş ve bu türler Türkiye ormanlarında yayılış gösteren türlerle karşılaştırılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler biyolojik özellikleri, yaşam döngüleri ve ekonomik değerlendirme potansiyelleri açısından analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular, Tenebrionidae ve Cynipidae familyalarına ait bazı türlerin yanı sıra Gryllotalpa sp. (Orthoptera, Gryllotalpidae), Melolontha sp. (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae), Malacosoma sp. (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) ve Tomicus piniperda (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) gibi orman zararlısı türlerin yenilebilir böcek kategorisinde değerlendirilebileceğini göstermektedir. Çalışma sonuçları, bu türlerin kontrollü üretim ve sürdürülebilir hasat modelleri ile ormancılık işletmeleri için alternatif gelir kaynağı oluşturabileceğini ortaya koymaktadır. Ayrıca çalışmada yenilebilir böceklerin ihracat, katma değerli ürün geliştirme ve sürdürülebilir gıda sistemleri açısından önemli bir ekonomik fırsat sunduğu görülmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• İşletme yönetimi
• Odun dışı orman ürünleri
• Orman ürünleri pazarlaması
• Yenilebilir böcekler

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