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Studies on the impact of
anthropogenic interference on wild honeybees in Mysore
District, Karnataka, India
S. Basavarajappa
DOS in Zoology,
University
of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore -570 006, Karnataka,
India.
E-mail:
apiraj09@gmail.com. Tel:
0821 - 2419773, 9449203241.
Accepted 21 January, 2010 |
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The field investigations were carried out to record the wild
honeybee populations at different agro-ecosystems of Mysore
District in Karnataka during 2006 - 2008. Data revealed the
distribution of Apis dorsata, Apis florea and
Trigona iridipennis, and their colony decline at
natural and man-made ecosystems. The colony density,
abundance and nesting sites of these species varied
significantly between different habitats. Though wild
honeybees share common food plants, but their nesting niche
is different. However, due to intensive man-made activities
at different nesting habitats and on the foraging plants,
the small honey bees namely A. florea and T.
iridipennis population is declining at various
agro-ecosystems. Since, the foraging range of A. florea
and T. iridipennis is small; they nest at lower
elevations on small to medium sized trees or shrubs compared
to A. dorsata. As a result, A. florea and
T. iridipennis becomes easily victim to man-made
activities. Therefore, there is a dire need to conserve
these species at different agro-ecosystems.
Key
words:
Wild honeybee species, human interference, colony decline,
Karnataka. |
