Honey Hunters Research Articles

Analisis Pendapatan dan Kontribusi Pemburu Madu Hutan terhadap Rumah Tangga Petani di Desa Lantung Kecamatan Lantung Kabupaten Sumbawa

This research analyzes the feasibility of income for forest honey hunters in Lantung Village, Lantung District, and analyzes how much the business of hunting forest honey bees contributes to the income of farmers in Lantung Village, Lantung District. This research was carried out in Lantung Village, Lantung District. The research was conducted in May-July 2023. The type of data used is quantitative data and the data sources are primary data and secondary data. The sampling method was carried out by census with a total sample of 36 hunters. The results of the research show that (1) The income from hunting for forest honey obtained by farmers in Lantung Village, Lantung District is IDR. 25,633,000/year, (2) The forest honey hunting business in Lantung Village, Lantung District is feasible to run, seen from the B/C ratio = 5.7> 1, (3) The contribution of the forest honey hunting business in Lantung Village, Lantung District to the total income of farming households is 63%.

Ecology and Management of African Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.).

In Africa, humans evolved as honey hunters of honey bee subspecies adapted to diverse geographical regions. Beekeeping today is practiced much as it was when Africans moved from honey hunting to beekeeping nearly 5,000 years ago, with beekeepers relying on seasonally available wild bees. Research suggests that populations are resilient, able to resist diseases and novel parasites. Distinct biomes, as well as environmental pressures, shaped the behavior and biology of these bees and in turn influenced how indigenous beekeeping developed. It appears that passive beekeeping practices that enabled free-living populations contributed to the overall resilience and health of the bee. There is clearly a need for research aimed at a deeper understanding of bee biology and the ecosystems from which they benefit and on which humans depend, as well as a growing realization that the management of these bees requires an indigenous approach that reflects a broader knowledge base and the economics of local communities and markets.

Culturally determined interspecies communication between humans and honeyguides.

Species interactions that vary across environments can create geographical mosaics of genetic coevolution. However, traits mediating species interactions are sometimes culturally inherited. Here we show that traditions of interspecies communication between people and wild birds vary in a culturally determined geographical mosaic. Honey hunters in different parts of Africa use different calls to communicate with greater honeyguides (Indicator indicator) that lead them to bees' nests. We show experimentally that honeyguides in Tanzania and Mozambique discriminate among honey hunters' calls, responding more readily to local than to foreign calls. This was not explained by variation in sound transmission and instead suggests that honeyguides learn local human signals. We discuss the forces stabilizing and diversifying interspecies communication traditions, and the potential for cultural coevolution between species.

Human-wild bird cooperation.

Honeyguides learn distinct signals made by honey hunters from different cultures.

Rural women’s participation in wild honey hunting and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications: Evidence from South Africa

Rural women’s participation in wild honey hunting and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications: Evidence from South Africa

Occurrence and distribution of Nosema ceranae in honey bee colonies in the Comoros Islands

Nosemosis is a parasitic disease caused by microsporidian pathogens of the genus Nosema infecting both the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, and the Asian honey bee Apis cerana. The disease may adversely affect bee colonies and eventually result in high losses in apiculture and agriculture. We determined the Nosema species infecting honey bees and their prevalence in two islands of the Comoros Archipelago (Grande Comore (GCO) and Mohéli (MOH)) in the Southwest Indian Ocean. In Comoros, beekeeping is largely traditional and practiced at subsistence-level, including honey hunting. Five honey bee foragers from 69 colonies in different localities within the two islands were selected and screened for Nosema infection using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Selected positive samples were sequenced to confirm the species identified using PCR-RFLP. We also examined spore loads to determine the intensity of Nosema infections. Nosema ceranae is the only species detected in the two Comoros islands. High prevalence occurred in the large island, GCO (73.9%), while MOH (25.0%) had a low prevalence. Spore counts indicated higher infection intensities in GCO compared to MOH. Generally, PCR-RFLP underestimated the prevalence, although microscopic and molecular diagnostics were well in agreement at the colony level. MOH had lower prevalence and infection intensity compared to GCO, which is the larger island with a higher density of human population. We postulate that the lower levels of pathogen prevalence in MOH in comparison to GCO could arise from minimal human interference.

Assessment of Two Plant-Based Materials as Alternative Attractant of Honeybees (Apis Mellifera adansonii) for Production of Honey and Other Hive Products in Awka, Nigeria

Aim: Honey is the earliest sweetener human beings have found. The values of honey are too numerous, such as food source, raw material for industries and as symbol employed in therapeutic ceremonies, but it’s availability and supply through traditional honey hunting remain a major constraint to its production and supply. This Field trials assessed the efficacy of Aidan fruit (Tetrapleura tetraptera) extract and Pineapple juice as alternative baits of honeybees (Apis mellifera adansonii) for the production of honey and other hive products.
 Study Design: Completely Randomized Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Honeybee Research Centre of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B.5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, between July 2020 and February, 2022.
 Methodology: Phytochemical analyses of the two plant-based materials were conducted in the laboratory using standard scientific methods. A total of 9 hives divided into 3 treatment groups: A1-3; P1-3 and H1-3 were used for the study. All the experimental hives were installed at the apiary unit of the HRC and monitored daily until colonization occurred.
 Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while sample means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% significant level (P = 0.05).
 Results: The results revealed that the trial baits contained moderate (++) presence of terpenoids as phytochemical component responsible for attracting bees. The results revealed also that the hives treated with the trial baits recorded equal rates of colonization of 66.67% as against the control which recorded 100% respectively.
 Conclusion: The results suggest that these two plant-based materials can serve as alternative attractants of honeybees in beekeeping for the production of honey and other hive products.

Honey compositional convergence and the parallel domestication of social bees

Honey collection evolved from simple honey hunting to the parallel and independent domestication of different species of bees in various parts of the world. In this study, we investigate the extent to which the composition of Apis and stingless bee honeys has been a driver in the selection of different bee species for domestication in Mesoamerica (Mexico) and Asia (Thailand) using a sampling design that combines peak honey profiling by H1 NMR spectroscopy with the collection of honeys from domesticated and undomesticated bee species. Our results show that, independently of the region of the world considered, domesticated stingless bees produce honey whose compositional profiles differ from those of the non-domesticated species and exhibit more similarities towards honeys produced by the domesticated Apis species. Our results provide evidence for the first time that the search for natural sweeteners in the environment by our ancestors led to the parallel and independent domestication of social bees producing honeys with similar compositional profiles.

Honeyguides

Claire Spottiswoode and colleagues introduce the ancient partnership between wild honeyguides and human honey hunters.

HONEY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY BASED ON BUSINESS FEASIBILITY AND ROLE OF LAKITAN FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT IN MUSI RAWAS DISTRICT SOUTH SUMATERA PROVINCE

The objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the role and interests of the KPH Lakitan Musi Rawas Regency in the development of honey business, (2) to analyze the financial feasibility of forest honey management in KPH Lakitan Musi Rawas Regency and to ( 3) to analyze strategies for developing forest honey in KPH Lakitan Musi Rawas District based on financial feasibility and the results of mapping the roles and interests of KPH Lakitan. The sample in this study consisted of 20 of which 3 of them were expert samples from internal KPH Lakitan and 17 of them were forest honey hunters. This paper concludes that based on mapping the roles and interests of KPH Lakitan are dominant in quadrant B, which means that the contribution of facilities and involvement of stakeholders as well as contribution of human resources and linkages between programs from the planning stage to the monitoring stage has been implemented properly. Meanwhile, the result of financial feasibility analysis of the forest honey management business is feasible to continue because, the NPV results were positive > 0, that means the investment will get net benefits. After that, from the result of the SWOT analysis of KPH Lakitan forest honey management, the strategy that can be formed is SO strategy formulation namely by utilizing government support in expanding the marketing network and developing honey bee cultivation technology.
 

Farmers’ Perception on Insect Pollinators Decline and Conservation Methods in Himachal Himalaya, India

Insect pollinators are important for the sustainability of agriculture and other natural ecosystems. Many insects such as bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and beetles are main pollinators of many fruit crops. The climate well as soil of Himachal Pradesh is apt for growing many kinds of fruit crops but in the last few years, produce and quality of fruit crops is decreasing due to lack of sufficient pollination. This study was conducted to assess the pollinator declining factors and farmers’ perception in respect of pollinator conservation and management methods in Himachal Himalaya. The diversity and distribution of insect pollinators is declining due to many threatening factors observed in Himachal Himalaya. These factors include: loss of insect habitats; pests and diseases of honey bees; use of pesticides; cell phone radiations; environmental pollution; susceptibility to climate change; impact of introduced species; escalation in mono-cropping; livestock grazing and mowing; forest fires; ruthless honey hunting and introduction of exotic honey bees.
 The farmers are practicing here apiculture as a part time as well as whole time profession although there are different types of constraints such as lack of all-season bee forage, heavy snowfall, paucity of labour, honey bee absconding and meager knowledge of medicines. Majority of the farmers expect to have financial help for various horticultural works, management technology and training activities. The farmers have knowledge about different aspects of honey production, processing, storage and marketing. But only a few farmers are aware about different pests, predators and diseases of honey bees as well as their remedial measures. To minimize the effect of pesticides, majority of farmers sprayed them in the morning and during nonflowering session.

Evaluation of different hive designs for domestication and conservation of native stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponula beccarii) in Ethiopia

There has been a long standing tradition of stingless bee, Meliponula beccarii (M. beccarii), honey hunting in Ethiopian farming communities. However, attempt has not been made to domesticate and manage stingless bees for sustainable harvest of the products. Domestication trial of M. beccarii in different hives types were conducted for colony adaptation. For this purpose, a total of 33 stingless bee colonies excavated from wild nests were transferred into five UTOB, 10 rectangular box and 18 pot hives. All of the colonies transferred to UTOB and rectangular box hives were absconded within six months of their establishment, indicating a 100% failure of M. beccarii domestication in wooden box hives set above the ground. However, among 18 stingless bee colonies transferred into pot hives and placed under the ground, 16 (88.9%) were adapted and successfully domesticated. Two season honey yield was harvested from pot hived colonies using disposable syringe and the average honey yield/colony/year was 1.10 ± 0.20 L that ranges from 90 ml – 3 L/colony. Moreover, the average volume of honey/honey pot was estimated to be 6.26 ± 1.08 ml. Furthermore, the nests of M. beccarii were protected with an average of 6.87 ± 0.65 guard bees/nest. Therefore, this study demonstrated for the first time that the possibility of M. beccarii domestication using pot hives for the sustainable honey production and conservation of this native bee species in Ethiopia. Although the current results highlighted the possibility of M. beccarii domestication for sustainable honey production, more research is needed on how to manage, multiply them, on the best way of honey harvesting technique and use of these bees for pollination services.

Notes on the beekeeping tradition in Polesie (based on materials from the Polesie archive)

An essay on beekeeping in Polesie, one of the archaic Slavic zones, was written on material collected in the 1970s — 1980s in expeditions of the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the leadership of N. I. Tolstoy according to the program of the Polesie Ethnolinguistic Atlas and stored in the archives of the Department of Ethnolinguistics and Folklore of the Institute. The Polesie program is focused mainly on traditional spiritual culture: on ritual and magical practices, beliefs, apotropaic magic and prohibitions associated with breeding bees and the extraction of honey and wax, on the symbolism of bees, etc. In the complex of magical actions, customs and beliefs associated with beekeeping in Polesie, honey hunting and pagan beliefs that have survived until recently, Christian symbolism and very late innovations of a commercial and trade, scientific and economic nature collide and intertwine. The pagan and Christian principles coexist peacefully in beekeeping practice, complementing each other (the holiness of the bee and its Mother of God symbolism are consistent with its role as a kind, tireless toiler who benefits people), while the inclusion of beekeeping in the sphere of trade relations sometimes gives rise to mutually exclusive customs and ideas. Beekeeping occupies a special place in the system of folk culture. Due to its corporatism and autonomy, this cultural sphere not only became a repository of ancient traditions and archaic strata of beliefs, but also was distinguished by a special susceptibility to the influence of book culture. All this endowed the figure of the beekeeper with the features of sacredness as a bearer of secret knowledge accessible only to the initiated.

Apiculture (Beekeeping), an Easy Economic Venture Irrespective of Age, Gender, Religion and Profession

Apiculture is an agroforestry system that has been neglected at the background in tropical Africa and Nigeria in particular. This is due to lack of awareness on the production know-how and the financial gains associated to it. The objective of this paper therefore, is to review apicultural techniques and its economic benefits. Apiculture is one of the most booming lucrative enterprises in many parts of the world. It is a profitable venture that requires little or no investment with quick returns. It is the science of raising bees in order to harvest honey and other useful products such as propolis, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly (bee milk). Honey and wax are usually used as medicine, health food and traditional crafts (candle making). In the traditional setting, honey is usually harvested from the wild which is always crude, difficult, dangerous and unsustainable. There is high demand for honey in Africa and the world at large but the production is low and not being encouraged. However, apiculture has gradually become a major component of mini-livestock production in Africa and other parts of the world. It has relatively reduced honey hunting and is seen as an alternative business for employment and revenue generation. Beekeeping can be practiced by all irrespective of age, gender, religion and profession with no negative environmental impact. Government and well to do individuals in the society should assist interested beekeepers with soft loans to purchase modern equipment like movable frame hives, bee suits, smokers and honey extractors. Apiculture should be enshrined in the curriculum of the primary and secondary schools, institution of higher learning and adopted as part of rural development approach. It should be promoted by well-organized extension services. Improving beekeeping in Africa will be a good way to ensure food security, reduce joblessness and add income across the economies of the continent. Efforts should also be made by Export Commissions to showcase African honey in the world market.

Biogeographies: Transcending anthropocentrism in the Anthropocene

Biogeographies: Transcending anthropocentrism in the Anthropocene

Measuring the impact of research

Measuring the impact of research

The role of honey hunting in supporting subsistence livelihoods in Sumbawa, Indonesia

AbstractHoney from the giant Asian honey bee (Apis dorsata) has been harvested by communities throughout Southeast Asia for centuries. In Indonesia, 80 per cent of the national supply of honey comes from Sumbawa; however, there is limited information regarding the sustainability and importance of honey hunting in supporting rural livelihoods. This study used semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires to examine honey hunting and forest honey production in Sumbawa. It evaluates the economic and cultural importance, opportunities, and constraints of honey hunting and prompts us to suggest that income generation from honey plays a critical role in supporting rural communities. Of respondents, 83 per cent reported that income from honey was essential and accounts for 68 per cent of cash income. Yet honey hunters were harvesting using destructive methods under dangerous conditions and are subject to unpredictable market prices and fluctuating yields. Unlike situations in other areas of Indonesia, no system of customary law was found to exist that defines ownership of honey trees and the right to harvest from them. Limited access to market information, high moisture content of honey, and limited training and extension services were identified as key constraints. Future research exploring the sustainability of harvesting practices and mechanisms for improving profitability of honey hunters would be valuable.

POLA DISTRIBUSI RANTAI PASOK JARINGAN MADU HUTAN SUMBAWA (JMHS) DI KABUPATEN SUMBAWA, NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

This study was aimed to analyze the supply chain distribution patterns of forest honey in the West Sumbawa through Sumbawa Forest Honey Network or Jaringan Madu Hutan Sumbawa (JMHS) using descriptive qualitative data. This study uses a supply chain distribution pattern approach based on the product, financial and information flow. In the product flow, honey is harvested by honey hunters in the forest and assembled to a group leader. Then, honey is handed over to JMHS and marketed at Rumah Madu” (Honey House). The forest honey harvest season in Sumbawa is between August-December. Honey hunters can harvest 15-20 liters of honey per hunter in one hunting day. In financial flow, we observed that the pricing of honey is decided by JMHS according to the market price and the harvest season. Honey price from the hunter is ranging from 60,000 - 75,000 IDR per 660 ml bottle. The purchasing price of honey by JMHS is 65,000-85.000 IDR per 660 ml bottle and after the packaging by JMHS, honey is marketed to the last consumers with a selling price of 110,000 IDR per 500 ml. The information flows in both directions. The group of honey hunters inform to JMHS about the locations of honey as well as the amount of harvested. In the JMHS side, they distribute information of the classification and quality of honey, provide the good harvest training and information on honey price to hunters.

Insights into the impacts of rural honey hunting in Zambia

Insights into the impacts of rural honey hunting in Zambia

Commercializing traditional non-timber forest products: An integrated value chain analysis of honey from giant honey bees in Palawan, Philippines

Commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) has been one of the strategies in addressing rural poverty and forest degradation. This strategy has been explored on the island of Palawan in the Philippines for indigenous wild honey hunter and gatherers through a community forestry enterprise, which transformed a traditional practice of honey gathering into an economic activity. In this paper, we conducted an integrated value chain analysis to assess whether the enterprise is able to support livelihoods in a fair and just manner, maintain its natural capital, and preserve indigenous culture. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, we found that downstream actors capture most of the economic value of wild honey by having a gross margin of 585.00 Philippine Peso (PhP) per kilo of honey compared to 30.74 PhP per kilo gross margin of honey hunters. The Tagbanua honey hunters do not perform hunting rituals previously performed by their ancestors. Majority of the community members still use honey, but in low amounts, i.e. less than one liter per year. In conclusion, we establish that commercializing traditional indigenous practices as a livelihood strategy should not only focus on positive gross margins but also consider socio-cultural practices and ecological sustainability.