Hunting Techniques, Production Potential and Wild Bee Host Trees Apis dorsata binghami
Budiaman 1 Andi Sadapotto 1 Iswara Gautama 1 Andi Asikin Muchtar 2 Noraeini 3

1Lecturer of Forestry Faculty of Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
2 Lecturer of Indonesia Timur University, Makassar, Indonesia
3 Laboratory Assistant of Forest Protection and Insects Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

The wild bee Apis dorsata binghami is a type of bee endemic to Sulawesi which is often hunted and harvested by the community in Boto Lempangan Village, West Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency, which has the potential to produce 50-60 kilograms of honey. and host tree species (bee trees). This research was conducted using the method of observation, interviews and discussions with respondents related to the research, the research respondents were 20 people who were determined by census. The results showed that the community divided their time between hunting and harvesting forest honey, hunting was carried out for several days until they stayed in the forest for 2-3 days with the stages of hunting techniques: surveying, climbing, expelling bees with smoke, harvesting, sorting and packaging. Equipment used when hunting are plastic sheeting, flashlights, machetes, cooking utensils and food ingredients. The peak season for hunting and harvesting is in September - December. Honey production during the peak season reaches 50 kg per harvest, hunter skills also affect yields. Bee hunters have an average of 6-8 years of hunting experience. The preferred types of host trees (bee trees) for nesting by Apis dorsata binghami are Kanunang (Cordia myxa), mango (Mangifera indica), Lita-lita (Alstonio scholaris), Tusam (Pinus merkusi), Paliasa (Kleinhovia hospita), and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).

Keywords: Hunting Techniques, Production Potential, Host Trees and Wild Bees Apis dorsata binghami

Topic: Topik E: Biodiversity and ecotourism