DETERMINATION OF THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE “ESCAMOLERA” ANT (Liometopum apiculatum MAYR) IN MEXICO BY THE SPECIES RISK ASSESSEMENT METHODOLOGY – MER

Abstract

The larvae and pupae of Liometopum apiculatum, an ant species known as “escamolera” (Lap), are valued for their flavour and nutritional value. Currently demand at restaurants trade, high price and other factors have threatened their populations. However, in Mexico there is no risk assessment for this species. Therefore, information was compiled to evaluate the conservation status of L apiculatum. The species Risk Assessment Methodology (MER) of Appendix I in the Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 determines the risk category of a species based on scores of four criteria and places a species as “Extinct in the wild, subject to special protection, threatened or in danger of extinction”. In this study, the related scores were, for Criterion A (taxon distributional area), 3 points (restricted distribution); Criterion B (habitat status regarding its natural development), 1 point (apt, or not limiting); Criterion C (biological vulnerability), 1 point (low vulnerability); and criterion D (impact of human activity on the taxon) scored 3 points (medium impact). The sum of the scores of the four MER criteria indicated that Lap (the escamolera ant) should be placed in the category of Subject to special protection (SSP). This information shall be used to design management and conservation policies for edible insects in Mexico.