Preliminary observations on enemies of stingless bees and honeybee (Apis Mellifera adansonii L.) Colonies from the Miticivanga- Tshibinda sector east of Kahuzi Biega National Park, South-Kivu Province, eastern DR Congo

Abstract

Beekeeping gives local people an economic incentive for the retention of natural habitats, and is an ideal activity for the local conservation program. A monitoring field survey, aimed at identifying enemies (pests, parasites, diseases) of Apis mellifera adansonii L. in apicultural villages surrounding Kahuzi Biega National park, was conducted for two years (2012-2014) in rural areas surrounding a protected area in South-Kivu province, Eastern DRCongo. . Both wild and domesticated colonies (in apiary) were visited and enemies sampled and or identified (observed) in the field during the rainy and dry seasons. The status, epidemiology and impacts of bee pests and diseases are largely unknown in DRCongo. The preliminary surveys indicated the occurrence of parasites-pests/predators including mammals, birds, reptiles, beetles, ants and wasps and flies. This survey found pests, parasites, predators belonging to lnsecta, Mammalia, Reptilia, Arachnida and Gastropoda groups. The frequency of occurrence of enemies (pests, parasites) was higher
during dry season than during rainy season. Mites were common during both dry and rainy seasons, but the species is yet to confirmed by a taxonomist. The knowledge of enemies and perceptions of beekeeping challenges by beekeepers, honey hunters, forest honey gatherers was also investigated. Respondents knew predators of honeybees but had little knowledge of the pests, parasites and diseases of honeybees in the region. However, both beekeepers and honey hunters had a good and similar knowledge of bee species (honeybees and stingless bees) and are able to produce good quality honey that is in high at the market and that is highly medicinal. Environmental challenges and the different approaches to management were also recognized by respondents. Efforts are needed to organize landless and marginalized peoples by providing them with the necessary beekeeping technologies and inputs to ensure maximum honey production while promoting rehabilitation and conservation of landscape habitats of eastern DRCongo.

Key words: Diseases, Pests and Parasites, Honeybees, Honey hunters strategies, South-Kivu Province, eastern DRCongo