The importance of weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius) harvest to a local community in Northeastern Thailand

Ants of the species Oecophylla smaragdina are a valued resource in someSoutheast Asian countries since they are edible. In Thailand they are an expensivedelicacy collected in high numbers from natural habitats. In this study we interviewed25 ant collectors in Nakhon Ratchasima Province to elucidate the extent of ant collectionand its socioeconomic impact. On average more than 3 persons per village collectedthe ants, each collecting on average 219 (± 107.5) kg of ants per year. This yield led toa daily income of 411 THB (12.1 US$) per working day during the 4-5 month antharvesting season, corresponding to approximately 1.5 - 2.6 times the minimum wage(162 THB day-1) in the province. On average, the yearly income from ants constituted30 % of the total household income among the ant collectors and additionally suppliedtheir families with an animal food source. The major issues considered problematic byant collectors were the increasing number of people collecting ants and high traveldistances to ant sites. Increased harvesting pressure may put the natural antpopulations at risk. We discuss ant farming as a potential solution to these problems.