A macro image of the hive of a colony of stingless bees. in this image the specie is the Uruçu-cinzenta (Melipona fasciculata). The Amazon Rainforest harbors 40000 species of plants and its immense biodiversity is the result of a complex ecosystem of animals, insects and humans. In Brazil there are around 259 species of stingless bees of the 550 recognized worldwide; the Northern region of the country is the richest in term of the biodiversity being home of 197 different species of native stingless bees. The hive of the stingless bees (Meliponini) has an extremely strange structure, very different if compared to the one built by the Apis Mellifera (European bees). Despite their vast biodiversity, native stingless bees are an endangered species and have been protected from extinction by local beekeepers (meliponiculturist) for honey’s production, undertaking a significant effort to preserve biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest and also developing a sustainable local economy. Meliponiculture is a socially, environmentally, and economically crucial activity, particularly in in the Amazonian regions of Brazil, as the construction of a meliponary does not require high investments and the activity can be carried out by beekeepers of all ages, including children and elderly people, in close proximity of residential areas, since many species of native stingless bees do not present any risk for the surrounding communities. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are deeply mutating the Earth, putting in danger the survival of plants, animals, insects as well as threatening the life of human beings.
Date Taken: | 12.2023 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2024 |
Photo Location: | Belem, Brazil |
Camera: | NIKON D810 |
Copyright: | © tommaso rada |