Options for stingless honey-beekeeping around Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania, and implications for biodiversity management

Abstract

Resident stingless honey-bees in the Udzungwa area were investigated for a period of 1 year. Specimens of stingless honey-bees were captured on flowers and on natural nest entrances. Six local stingless honey-bee species, namely Dactylurina schmidti, Plebeina hildebrandti, Axestotrigona erythra, Meliponula ogouensis, M. lendliana and M. ferruginea, were found in the area, all of which are known to the local people. Honey productivity per colony in experimental hives varied according to species: M. ogouensis average 3.2 L, M. lendliana average 2.7 L, D. schmidti average 1.6 L and P. hildebrandti average 0.6 L. These findings indicate good potential for beekeeping in the lower altitude area at the foot of the Udzungwa Mountains, where the stingless honey-bee species diversity is greatest. The article discusses some options for intensification of management of the bee resources while maintaining natural biodiversity in the area. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.