Abstract

The field investigations were carried out to record the wild honeybee populations at different agro-ecosystems of Mysore District in Karnataka during 2006 - 2008. Data revealed the distribution of Apis dorsata, Apis florea and Trigona iridipennis, and their colony decline at natural and man-made ecosystems. The colony density, abundance and nesting sites of these species varied significantly between different habitats. Though wild honeybees share common food plants, but their nesting niche is different. However, due to intensive man-made activities at different nesting habitats and on the foraging plants, the small honey bees namely A. florea and T. iridipennis population is declining at various agro-ecosystems. Since, the foraging range of A. florea and T. iridipennis is small; they nest at lower elevations on small to medium sized trees or shrubs compared to A. dorsata. As a result, A. florea and T. iridipennis becomes easily victim to man-made activities. Therefore, there is a dire need to conserve these species at different agro-ecosystems.

Key words: Wild honeybee species, human interference, colony decline, Karnataka.