Bio-Ecology, Threats, and Conservation of Honeybee, Apis dorsata in Tropical Wild and Cultivated Ecosystems

Apis dorsata is successfully established in Southeast Asia, producing large amounts of honey and beeswax, while also pollinating both wild and cultivated crops. The nests of A. dorsata are normally sheltered on both arboreal and terrestrial structures, especially at an inaccessible elevation. They build their colonies rapidly during pollen-rich periods and produce huge amounts of honey during winter and summer seasons. Reproductive swarming of these species most commonly occurs during summer season. A. dorsata exhibits colony migration during floral dearth periods. Nonetheless, the population of A. dorsata is currently under threat primarily due to anthropogenic interventions, including traditional methods of honey harvesting, insecticide poisoning, deforestation, and habitat deterioration. These interventions led to the mortality of several hundred giant honeybee colonies annually. Accordingly, conservation of these bee species is vital through novel methods of honey harvesting. Apparently, creating awareness on scientific methods of honey harvesting together with afforestation is required for the conservation of A. dorsata colonies.