Abstract
Survey results of colony losses of honey bee (Apis mellifera) have been reported worldwide in recent years. However, there has previously been no large-scale survey reported for China, the largest beekeeping country. Here we present the result of a three-year survey from 2010 to 2013, using the standard COLOSS questionnaires. In total, we received 3,090 responses, including 485 from part-time beekeepers, 2,216 from sideline beekeepers, and 389 from commercial beekeepers. Colony losses were low in general (10.1%, 95% CI: 9.5–10.7%), with variations among years (ranging from 8.5 to 12.0%), provinces (ranging from 2.5 to 19.0%), and different sizes of apiaries (ranging from 7.6 to 12.1%). Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the effects of potential risk factors on colony losses. Significant factors are comb renewal, and percentage of colonies with queen problems. Random effects from the models show that variation is large at the beekeeper level, while small at the year level.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
