A team of
scientists has unveiled compelling evidence affirming the giant Himalayan honey
bee (Apis laboriosa) as a distinct species, dispelling the previous
notion of it being a mere sub-species of the smaller, lower-elevation Apis
dorsata. This resolution addresses a longstanding debate within the
scientific community, marking a significant milestone in understanding these
fascinating creatures.
Dr. Nyaton Kitnya, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral
researcher at Trivedi School of Bioscience, Ashoka University, Sonipat,
Haryana, tells me through an email conversation that the researchers' initial
objective was to map and monitor the occurrence of Apis laboriosa in
the Eastern Himalayas. "However, in the process, we learned that Apis
laboriosa's species status is controversial. Many bee taxonomists
considered it a high elevation form of Apis dorsata, widely spread
across Southeast Asia." She further tells me that the area of sympatry
within the Eastern Himalayas, where both species (laboriosa & dorsata)
co-occur, allowed them to conduct morphometric and phylogenetic analyses, thus
verifying the bees' species status.
Kitnya elaborated, stating, "The phylogenetic data
based on mtDNA, as presented in our published work, strongly suggest that laboriosa is
distinct from dorsata, with a p-distance (genetic distance) value
of 0.07. This difference exceeds that between Apis florea and Apis
andreniformis (the dwarf honey bee species), which have a p-distance
value of 0.04. Currently, we are working to understand more at the genomic
level."
"The long-controversial statement/question regarding
the classification of giant honey bees has been clarified," Kitnya
explains. She and her colleagues were further engaged in research, focusing on
generating taxonomic keys for the giant honey bees Megapis, which they intended
to submit to "Frontiers of Bees Sciences" in January 2024.
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Endemic to the towering peaks and deep valleys of the Hindu Kush Himalayas, Apis laboriosa thrives in some of the world's most challenging environments. From its beginnings as an egg laid by the queen bee to its seasonal migrations across altitudes, the life cycle of Apis laboriosa is a testament to its ability to navigate and survive in harsh mountain conditions.
But despite its imposing size and importance as a
pollinator and honey producer, Apis laboriosa remains one of
the least studied honeybee species. Its biology, behavior, and role in local
ecosystems are still shrouded in mystery, making it a subject of exploration
for researchers worldwide.
“Going Mad Over ‘Mad Honey’”
The economic impact of Apis laboriosa in
Nepal and the broader Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is profound, with honey
production serving as a vital source of income for local communities. Research
conducted by Thapa et al. (2018) and Arya et al. (2015) indicates that
each Apis laboriosa colony in Nepal yields an average of 25-60
kilograms of honey annually, offering a valuable resource for both local
consumption and commercial trade. This honey varies in type depending on the
season, with springtime red honey, harvested from high-altitude blooms of the
Ericaceae family, being particularly prized for its medicinal and halucinogenic
qualities (Roubik et al., 1985).
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However, the traditional practice of honey hunting, where
tribesmen employ fire and rope ladders to collect honey from cliffside nests,
has led to significant declines in Apis laboriosa populations.
Ahmad et al. (2003) notes that more than 50% of the annual honey yield in the
region is obtained through this method, contributing to habitat destruction and
population decline. Additionally, factors such as deforestation, landslides, parasites,
and diseases further threaten the survival of Apis laboriosa (Thapa
et al., 2018; Joshi et al., 2004; Chantawannakul et al., 2016; Anderson &
Morgan, 2007; Allen et al., 1990).
The decline of Apis laboriosa populations
has far-reaching implications beyond honey production. Gogoi et al. (2017) highlights
the crucial role of these bees in pollinating various fruit, vegetable, and
crop plants, including Brassica juncea, Raphanus sativus, Prunus
persica, and Malus pumila. The decline or local extinction
of Apis laboriosa populations could therefore have detrimental
effects on agricultural and horticultural productivity in the region (Batra,
1996; Tayeng and Gogoi, 2016).
Furthermore, Apis laboriosa's distribution
across the Pan-Himalayan region, as documented by Gogoi et al. (2017),
underscores its importance in supporting local ecosystems and economies (Kitnya
et al., 2020). The species' nests are found in pockets along high-altitude
cliffs, stretching from India to Vietnam, with significant quantities of spring
honey exported to markets in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong (Gogoi et al., 2017;
Gupta, 2014). However, the sharp decline in colony numbers and nests per cliff
in recent decades, attributed to various factors including deforestation,
hunting, climate change, and competition with introduced species, poses a
significant threat to Apis laboriosa populations (Joshi et
al., 2014).
Despite being recognized as the largest honeybee species
globally, Apis laboriosa remains one of the least studied. Its
distribution primarily centers around the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in
southern Asia. Belonging to the subgenus Megapis alongside Apis
dorsata, it was initially classified as a subspecies of Apis
dorsata until Sakagami distinguished it as a separate species in 1980.
However, despite Sakagami's claim, the species' status has remained debated up
until now.