First Ever Discovery of Himalayan Giant Bee in Thailand
In a groundbreaking announcement, Songkiat Tatayanont, Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), revealed the historic discovery of the Himalayan giant bee (Apis laboriosa Smith, 1871) in Thailand. Discovered within the scenic expanse of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in Chiang Mai province, this remarkable find marks the first documented sighting of the Himalayan giant bee in the country.
The discovery was the result of diligent research conducted by a team led by Mr. Isarapong Woraphab, an entomologist with the DNP, along with Nontawat Chatthanabun, Dr. Chawatat Thanoosing, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Natthapoj Warit from the Department of Biology at Chulalongkorn University. Prior to this discovery, the Himalayan giant bee was only known to inhabit the lofty heights of the Himalayan mountains in Nepal and India.
Distinguished by its shiny black abdomen and golden yellow thoracic hairs, the Himalayan giant bee constructs large, solitary nests—a notable departure from the communal nests of the common Asian honey bee (Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793) prevalent throughout Thailand.
Thriving in high-altitude environments ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 meters above sea level, and favoring cooler temperatures below 25°C, the Himalayan giant bee serves as a crucial pollinator within its ecosystem, contributing to the vitality of high-altitude plant communities.
While the honey produced by the Himalayan giant bee is reputed to possess unique physical and chemical properties highly prized in the market, further research is required to confirm these attributes within the Thai population of the bee.
The discovery of the Himalayan giant bee represents a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation efforts in Thailand. It underscores the country's rich ecological diversity and underscores the importance of safeguarding natural habitats amidst the threats posed by habitat destruction and climate change.
The Himalayan giant bee now joins the ranks of other bee species in the genus Apis found in Thailand, including Apis dorsata, Apis florea, Apis andreniformis, and Apis cerana.
“This discovery serves as a testament to Thailand's abundant biodiversity and environmental treasures,” remarked Songkiat Tatayanont. “Despite the challenges posed by habitat loss and climate change, the presence of the Himalayan giant bee in Thailand stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to conservation efforts.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What distinguishes the Himalayan giant bee from other bee species? A: The Himalayan giant bee is characterized by its shiny black abdomen and golden yellow thoracic hairs, as well as its preference for high-altitude habitats and solitary nesting behavior.
Q: Why is the discovery of the Himalayan giant bee significant for biodiversity conservation in Thailand? A: The discovery underscores Thailand's rich ecological diversity and highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats to preserve biodiversity in the face of threats like habitat destruction and climate change.
Q: How does the Himalayan giant bee contribute to its ecosystem? A: As a crucial pollinator, the Himalayan giant bee plays a vital role in supporting the health and diversity of high-altitude plant communities in its habitat.
Q: What further research is needed regarding the properties of the honey produced by the Himalayan giant bee? A: Additional studies are required to confirm the unique physical and chemical properties of the honey produced by the Himalayan giant bee within the Thai population of the species.
