Hunting Techniques, Production Potential and Wild Bee Host Trees Apis dorsata binghami

Abstract

The wild bees Apis dorsata binghami is a type of bee endemic to Sulawesi which is often hunted and harvested by the community in Boto Lempangan Village, West Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency, which has the potential to produce 50-60 kilograms of honey. The purpose of this study was to analyze the techniques of hunting and harvesting forest honey and the types of host trees (bee trees). This research was conducted using the method of observation, interviews and discussions with respondents related to the research, the research respondents were 20 people who were determined by census. The results showed that the community divided their time between hunting and harvesting forest honey, hunting was carried out for several days until they stayed in the forest for 2-3 days with the stages of hunting techniques: surveying, climbing, expelling bees with smoke, harvesting, sorting and packaging. Equipment used when hunting are plastic sheeting, flashlights, machetes, cooking utensils and food ingredients. The peak season for hunting and harvesting is in September – December. Honey production during the peak season reaches 50 kg per harvest, hunter skills also affect yields. Bee hunters have an average of 6-8 years of hunting experience. The preferred types of host trees (bee trees) for nesting by Apis dorsata binghamii are Kanunang (Cordia myxa), mango (Mangifera indica), Lita-lita (Alstonio scholaris), Tusam (Pinus merkusi), Paliasa (Kleinhovia hospita), and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).