Harvesting honey from stingless bees—such as Trigona and Melipona species—is a delicate process that emphasizes sustainability and minimal disturbance to the colony. These bees store honey in small, resinous pots rather than traditional combs, necessitating specialized techniques and equipment.
1. Suction Devices (Portable Pumps)
A widely adopted method involves using low-pressure suction devices, like modified syringes or pumps, to extract honey directly from the pots. This approach preserves the structural integrity of the pots and minimizes stress on the bees. Studies have shown that using a portable pump can be more efficient than a syringe, reducing extraction time per hive .
2. Honey Supers and Modular Hives
In regions like Australia, beekeepers employ modular hive designs with dedicated honey compartments, often referred to as “honey supers.” These compartments allow for the extraction of honey without disturbing the brood area, facilitating cleaner and more sustainable harvesting .
3. Manual Extraction with Syringes
For small-scale operations or beginners, manually extracting honey using syringes is common. This method involves carefully puncturing the honey pots and drawing out the honey. While straightforward, it can be time-consuming and may risk damaging the pots if not done carefully .
4. Traditional and Local Techniques
In various cultures, traditional methods are still in practice. For instance, in Indonesia, some beekeepers use modified breast pumps to extract honey gently, preserving the hive’s structure . In Cuba, stingless bees are often housed in rustic logs or simple boxes, and honey is harvested manually, reflecting a harmonious relationship between humans and bees .Flow ForumReuters
Sustainable Practices and Considerations
- Preservation of Hive Integrity: Avoiding damage to the honey pots ensures that bees can reuse them, promoting sustainability.Natharvest
- Minimizing Disturbance: Gentle extraction methods reduce stress on the colony, supporting its health and productivity.Natharvest
- Hygienic Handling: Using clean equipment and proper techniques prevents contamination, maintaining honey quality.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and integrating traditional knowledge and practices can enhance sustainability and community engagement.wired.com
For those interested in visual demonstrations of these methods, the following video provides practical insights into harvesting stingless bee honey:YouTube
Impact of these harvesting techniques on stingless bee populations
The impact of different harvesting techniques on stingless bee populations depends on how much disturbance they cause to the colony and hive structure. Here are some key considerations:
- Preservation of Hive Integrity: Techniques like suction devices and modular hives minimize damage to honey pots, allowing bees to reuse them and maintain colony stability.
- Minimizing Disturbance: Gentle extraction methods, such as using syringes or low-pressure pumps, reduce stress on the colony, supporting its health and productivity.
- Hygienic Handling: Proper equipment and clean extraction methods prevent contamination, ensuring high-quality honey while maintaining colony health.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Traditional harvesting methods, such as those used in Indonesia and Cuba, integrate local knowledge and practices, promoting sustainability and community engagement
Additionally, research suggests that deforestation and habitat destruction significantly threaten stingless bee populations, as they rely on tree cavities for nesting. Sustainable meliponiculture practices, such as domestication and colony multiplication, can help mitigate these risks