Stingless Bees: Tireless Tiny Pollinators…(ชันโรง: นักผสมเกสรตัวจิ๋วผู้ไม่ย่อท้อ…)

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are one of the most important pollinators in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Despite their small size, stingless bees may not be as well-known as European or Asian honeybees, yet their role in nature is undeniably fascinating. Currently, over 605 species of stingless bees have been reported worldwide. These bees typically build their nests in tree cavities or underground, and some species have adapted to live in agricultural or urban environments. Globally, stingless bees have been documented visiting the flowers of at least 221 plant families and 1,476 genera. Additionally, they are kept not only for their pollination services but also for producing high-quality honey. These characteristics highlight the importance of stingless bees as diverse and highly adaptable pollinators.

However, stingless bees face significant threats from land-use changes, such as deforestation for agriculture or urban expansion, as well as climate change, pollution, pesticide use, and urbanization. These factors have greatly impacted the diversity and population of stingless bees. Furthermore, their central foraging behavior, which involves flying out to gather resources and returning to the same nest, makes the availability of floral resources near their nests crucial for colony growth and population health. To conserve stingless bees and other pollinators, it is essential to preserve forested areas, promote biodiversity-rich agricultural landscapes, and implement well-balanced land-use planning. A sustainable ecosystem not only improves the pollination efficiency of stingless bees but also ensures food security and enhances agricultural productivity for the future of humanity.