Population Growth and Insecticide Residues of Honey Bees in Tropical Agricultural Landscapes

Abstract

Global decline of pollinators, especially bees, has been documented in many countries. Several causes such as land-use change and agricultural intensification are reported to be the main drivers of the decline. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of land use on honey bee and stingless bee populations. Research was conducted in Bogor and Malang to compare between two different geographical areas. Managed bees such as honey bees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera) and stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps) were investigated to examine the effect of agricultural intensification. Field experiments were conducted by placing beehives in selected habitats (i.e., beekeeper gardens, forests areas, and agriculture areas). Population growth and neonicotinoid residue analysis of bees in different hive locations were measured to study the effect of habitat type. Population growth of bees represents the forager abundance and colony weight. Based on the analysis, we found that habitat type affected forager abundance and colony weight of honey bees (p < 0.05), although the patterns were different between species, region, as well as season. Forests could support the stingless bee colony better than agriculture and home garden habitats. Insecticide (neonicotinoid) was barely recorded in both honey bees and stingless bees.

Beekeeping and Managed Bee Diversity in Indonesia: Perspective and Preference of Beekeepers

“…This research was conducted to study the bee diversity that are being managed by beekeepers across Indonesia and to investigate the beekeepers' perspectives on the factors that affect bee populations and their products. Previous research found that the population of honey bees is affected by habitat types and that beekeepers prefer to put their hives isolated from agricultural areas [34]. There was indication of the population decline of A. cerana in East Java, although the result was not conclusive.…”

“…The threat from insecticides such as neonicotinoid has been reported to increase the mortality in honey bees by impairing their homing ability [15]. Previous studies in Europe also detected residue pesticide in honey bees products in countries such as in Spain [35], Germany [36], Greece [37], and France [38], while in Indonesia, traces of residues were detected, albeit at very low concentrations [34].…”

“…Based on our previous research in Java (see [34]), beekeepers have recently kept not only honey bees but also stingless bees for their honey and propolis production. Therefore, the survey research was conducted in the center of honey bee or stingless bees production in different areas in Indonesia.…”

“…This research was also aimed to understand the beekeepers' perspectives on factors affecting bee populations and their product such as pollen and beeswax. Studies in Europe detected pesticide residue in honey bees products from Spain [35], Germany [36], Greece [37], and France [38], while in Indonesia, traces of residues has been detected, albeit at very low concentrations [34].…”

Monitoring of Honey Bee Colony Losses: A Special Issue

“…al. [13] identified positive habitat effects while studying the impact of land use patterns, agricultural intensification and insecticides residues on honey bees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera) and stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps) in Indonesia (Bogor and Malang regions). They discovered certain habitat types alleviate bee stress and promote colony growth and queen reproductive output, especially forests with abundant sources of honeydew.…”