Diversity, Status And Threats To Stingless Bees (Apidae: Meliponini) Of Ipembampazi Forest Reserve, Tabora - Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study presents the stingless bees (Meliponini) of Ipembampazi Forest Reserve (IFR) in Sikonge, Tabora Tanzania. Stingless bees were systematically sampled from linear transects from which 80 plots of 20 x 40 m2 (0.08ha) were established. A total of 60 nests were found, representing two stingless bee species, Meliponula ferruginea Lepeletier and Hypotrigona ruspolii Magretti. The third species, Plebeina hildebrandti Friese was opportunistically collected at water hole. Relatively low species richness and nest density (9.53 nests ha-1 ) were found. Most species were unevenly distributed. Cluster spatial distribution was observed exhibited by one species of H. ruspolii. The most abundant stingless bee was Meliponula ferruginea (52%). Most species were found nesting in trees, except for P. hildebrandti which is reported to nest in the ground in termite mounds. Seven tree species were found hosting stingless bees. The primary tree species used by bees for nesting were Pericopsis angolensis (46.7%), Erythrophleum africanum (23.3%) and Julbernardia globiflora (18.3%). Various nesting patterns and architecture were also observed in stingless bees. The different patterns served as an adaptation to varying nest microclimates and response to environmental threats. Most of the threats recorded were mainly human induced. Forest fire (63%), honey hunting (26%) and logging for timber (10%) were the dominant threats to stingless bees in IFR. Together with other factors, may collectively negatively contributed to the low species diversity and nests abundances observed. It was concluded that, more studies on stingless bees is required. The effects due to climate change on stingless bees should not be overlooked. The findings provide important information for the future development of Meliponiculture industry and conservation of the stingless bees of Tanzania.