Application of Geo-spatial Technology in Characterization of African Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Apiaries into Ecosystem Zones for Productivity and Pollination Service

Abstract

Seven major ecological zones of Nigeria with modern functional apiaries were mapped and sampled in the rainy season between April 2016 and October 2018 for estimating the bee foraging flight range and floral species diversity; collating satellite imagery data for geospatial zone mapping using GPS (Garmin Etrex 20) to capture the coordinates of apiaries locations and their attributes, climatic and topographic data and generating ecological zones: the wetland vegetation, savanna grassland, savanna woodland (disturbed), shrubby forest, lowland dense forest, and Highland rain forest. Honeybee flight ranges between 1 and 5 kilometer radius from where bees at the apiaries can forage for pollen and nectar. Igbeti/Malete/Buari bees forages at similar ecosystems within this range while those at Saki and Abuja apiaries have potentials to forage at different ecological zones ranging from woodland savanna to lowland and high forests. Abuja (woodland savanna and shrubby forest zones) apiaries produces average of 32 liters of honey per hive and Kwara (savanna grassland and wood land Savanna) produces average of 24 liters of honey per hive. There is also structural variation in the floral species diversity and richness as richness marginally differed at the locations. Highest index was observed in Orozo (H=2.62; Margalef = 3.05) and Agbungburu (H=2.54; Margalef = 3.06). Low index was attained at Buari (H= 2.10; Margalef= 2.32) and Igbeti (H= 2.11; Margalef= 2.62). Apiary managers and farmers acquiring relevant knowledge on apiculture and prevailing A. mellifera apiaries would assist management activities; contribute to better production and pollination for food security.