The influence of vegetation compositions on Asian giant honey bee (Apis dorsata Fabr.) in Kampar Regency

Abstract

Five essential types of vegetation in Kampar regency are considered to influence the number of Apis dorsata population, namely natural forests, forest plantations (Acacia and Eucalyptus), oil palm plantations, rubber plantations, and river existence. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of vegetation types on the number of A. dorsata population. This study was conducted from April to November 2016 and covered all districts categorized as the center of wild honey production in Kampar regency. Each sialang tree was observed for the number of A. dorsata. Sialang trees are big giant trees that are usually inhabited by A. dorsata colonies. The number of populations of A. dorsata for each tree was approached by using linear regression equations. By using all types of equations, the influence of different types of vegetation compositions (natural forests, Acacia and Eucalyptus plantations, oil palm plantations, rubber plantations and river existence) on the number of A. dorsata colony could be determined. The results, in respective of the vegetation types, were 28.17%, 21.51%, 14.81%, 21.32% and 14.82%. Moreover, the number of A. dorsata population in each sialang tree reached its maximum population above 60,000 ha in natural forest. Surprisingly, the number of A. dorsata colonies inhabited each sialang tree showed a positive correlation with the increase of the oil palm plantations area.