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Nadzirum Mubin, IPB Young Lecturer Describes Insect Conservation Efforts – IPB News

Nadzirum Mubin, SP, MSi, a young lecturer at IPB University from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, shared information about insect conservation efforts, especially in the field of ethno-entomology, which was organized by the Biology Student Association, Padjadjaran University. In his presentation, Nadzir explained that ethno-entomology is a science that studies the relationship between humans and insects. He said many insects have become part of social life.

He gave an example, undur-undur (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) is a predator, but traditionally, this retreat is used by the community to treat various types of diseases. Undur-undur is often consumed as a medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and itching. "Not only limited to being used traditionally, there have been many publications confirming that this insect has certain substances so that it can be used for treatment," said Nadzirum Mubin.

He continued, other traditional knowledge also mentions that insects can be used as a food source. This is because insects contain very high protein. Some insects are consumed because of their high protein content, such as sago caterpillars, cricket flour, botok wasps, laron and grasshoppers. "Traditional knowledge is the key to preserving these insects so that the insects that are used are not exploited too much," he added.

While these insects have traditionally provided great benefits, there are many threats to their conservation. Nadzir said that climate change, habitat loss due to land conversion, increasing agricultural productivity with the unwise use of pesticides and insect-free trade could hinder insect conservation.

From the existing threats, he said, solutions can be found for each. He said that the thing that is most widely used now is the introduction of insects to early childhood. The introduction of insects from an early age gives the child the opportunity to recognize and like insects from an early age. “Introducing insects by taking a vacation to a tourist spot. Educational tours introduce butterflies, bees, and other insects to young children, so that children's memories can be remembered until later adults," he said.

In addition, he continued, insect conservation can also be done through cultural or artistic performances. The wayang art, which is generally said to be ancient, has been replaced with an insect puppet show. “By holding on to the art of wayang, the topic of the stories and wayang is changed to insects. So that insects that provide extraordinary benefits can be recognized through art media such as wayang, "said Nadzir. (IPB News)