Traditional Techniques of Search, Finding, Rear, and Harvest of Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa Mandarinia Smith) and its Socio-economic Perspective in Phek District of Nagaland, North East, India

Abstract

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia Smith), also called “khude” in the local tongue of chokri speaking people of Phek district, Nagaland, is widely reared in its traditional method in almost all villages and towns during the months of May to October every year. This annual proceeding is pursued by both the town and village dwellers for the purpose of economy and consumption in the near future. It is found beneath the surface of the earth in the forest region. The Asian giant hornet is first engaged from sap-giving trees (usually the oak trees- a tree of the genus Quercus, abound in the district) which produce healthy sap in the months of the Spring season. Here, the Asian giant hornet is located, collected, and is relocated to a new rearing site. Although the sting of the Asian giant hornet is quite unpleasant and deadly, it does not devalue people’s interest in finding and rearing it. Neither, do people wear modern safety gear while harvesting the hive. The Asian giant hornet is one of the highly sought varieties of edible insects found in the Phek district of Nagaland. In the district, rearing of the Asian giant hornet with nil capital input has become mini-industry a thriving mini-industry and a source of income to a small section of the community, and moreover, a food delicacy to both the young write-up old. Thus, this write-up thoroughly deals with a detailed process of finding traditional search, find, collect, consuming, rear, harvesting, consuming, and selling of the Asian giant hornet in this part of Nagaland.