Conservation of Asian giant honeybee, Apis dorsata fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

The giant honeybee, Apis dorsata builds single largest open comb on a suitable substratum. It is a major honey producer and important pollinator of both wild and crop plants. However, recently colony population of these species is gradually declining due to many factors including traditional honey harvesting and pesticide poisoning. Conservation of these species is immediately required through development of sustainable methods of honey harvesting and reduced insecticide poisoning for better honey production and effective pollination.