Nesting habitat and honey production of asiatic honey bees (Apis cerana) in the protected forest in Enrekang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to determine the characteristics of nesting habitat, harvesting techniques, and honey production of Asiatic honey bee (Apis cerana) in the protected forest in Enrekang Regency, Indonesia. Data was collected in the form of primary and secondary data. Data is collected by observation, survey, and literature study then analyzed by descriptive statistical methods. The results showed that the Asiatic honey bee hunting technique by local communities in the protected forest in Enrekang Regency was carried out traditionally during the flowering season, especially in September and October. Asiatic honey bees nest in stone cavities or cracked stones around flowering plants in elevation 976.9-1.085.1 masl. Depth of stone cavities nest ranges between 40-70 cm, height ranges between 20-60 cm, width ranges between 60-100 m, temperature and humidity in stone cavities nest vary between 23-26,9 °C and 70-87%, respectively. The average weight of honeycomb is 1.137,5 g produces an average honey 250.58 g, beeswax 250.58 g, bee bread 169.17 g, and bee brood (eggs, larvae, pupa) 105.42 g. Honey bee yields average is 17.20%, bee wax 60.05%, bee bread 13.97%, and bee brood (larvae, eggs, and pupae) 8.78%.