The effects of land use on honey bee (Apis mellifera) population density and colony strength parameters in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

摘要: Livestock farming in the Eastern Cape, South Africa is a common land use practice that has affected biodiversity of plants and animals region negatively. Indigenous populations wild honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies also may suffer. Recently, farmers Cape have been converting their farms to game reserves as ecotourism attractions nature conservation lands. Consequently, goal this research was determine if habits (livestock conversion reserves) affect colony population density strength parameters. A series indices were developed compare relative densities two or more areas by counting number foraging bees lines established at feeding stations. Wild on located sampled effects parameters including total area comb colony, containing stored honey, pollen, brood, adult population, weight per bee, nest cavity volume ratio. When viewed collectively, data indicated practices nesting dynamics Cape. Trends suggested occur greater than those livestock farms, though they do not appear be healthier. Hopefully, work will continued since where are native crucial health agriculture whole ecosystems globally.