Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon
Background: Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are critical pollinators in the Peruvian Amazon, sustaining biodiversity, crop productivity, and indigenous livelihoods. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the effects of deforestation and illegal logging on their populations remain poor...
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The Ecological Society of Korea
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ecology and Environment |
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| Online Access: | http://www.e-jecoenv.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5141/jee.25.021 |
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| author | Richar Demetrio Ornella Muñoz-Schrader Julianna Faria Juan Rodrigo Baselly-Villanueva David Cardenas Maite Isuiza Cesar Delgado Andres Ruzo Rosa V. Espinoza |
| author_facet | Richar Demetrio Ornella Muñoz-Schrader Julianna Faria Juan Rodrigo Baselly-Villanueva David Cardenas Maite Isuiza Cesar Delgado Andres Ruzo Rosa V. Espinoza |
| author_sort | Richar Demetrio |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are critical pollinators in the Peruvian Amazon, sustaining biodiversity, crop productivity, and indigenous livelihoods. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the effects of deforestation and illegal logging on their populations remain poorly understood. Nesting tree loss, habitat fragmentation, and changes in elevation influence stingless bee distribution, yet conservation efforts remain insufficient due to a lack of spatial data on their vulnerability. Results: This study examines the spatial distribution, elevation trends, and deforestation threats affecting Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula, with a focus on tree nesting preferences in the Biosphere Reserve Avireri-Vraem. Using literature reviews, field observations, and GPS surveys, we assessed species distribution patterns, deforestation risks, and nesting tree associations. Our findings reveal that over 50% of their habitats overlap with high deforestation risk zones, largely driven by illegal logging of key nesting trees. Elevation analysis indicates species-specific adaptations, with M. eburnea predominantly in lowland regions, while T. angustula is more frequent at higher altitudes. GPS fieldwork identified strong associations with specific host trees, notably Guarea guidonia and Ficus insipida, with larger trees (> 60 cm DBH) serving as critical nesting sites. Several of these, including Aniba gigantiflora and Cedrelinga cateniformis, are among the most ilegally harvested species, intensifying threats to bee populations. Conclusions: Deforestation-driven habitat loss and fragmentation pose an immediate threat to stingless bee populations by reducing nesting availability, limiting pollination networks, and disrupting genetic exchange. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, including the preservation of key nesting trees, the establishment of biological corridors, and the promotion of sustainable forestry practices. Given the role of stingless bees as keystone pollinators, their protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Recognizing stingless bee habitats under a Rights of Nature framework would provide a legal mechanism to safeguard their nesting sites from further exploitation. Furthermore, strengthening community-led conservation efforts in high-risk areas can enhance long-term resilience. This study provides a baseline for future conservation policies, bridging scientific data and indigenous knowledge to protect Amazonian stingless bees and their ecosystems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5f10539d2676495dbae12fee7c585704 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2287-8327 2288-1220 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | The Ecological Society of Korea |
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| series | Journal of Ecology and Environment |
| spelling | doaj-art-5f10539d2676495dbae12fee7c5857042025-08-20T03:29:15ZengThe Ecological Society of KoreaJournal of Ecology and Environment2287-83272288-12202025-07-014910.5141/jee.25.021jee.25.021Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian AmazonRichar Demetrio0Ornella Muñoz-Schrader1Julianna Faria2Juan Rodrigo Baselly-Villanueva3David Cardenas4Maite Isuiza5Cesar Delgado6Andres Ruzo7Rosa V. Espinoza8Amazon Research Internacional, Lima 15012, PerúAmazon Research Internacional, Lima 15012, PerúAmazon Research Internacional, Lima 15012, PerúEstación Experimental Agraria San Roque, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Iquitos 16430, PerúServicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado-SERNANP, Reserva Comunal Ashaninka, Satipo 12330, PerúAmazon Research Internacional, Lima 15012, PerúInstituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana-IIAP, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica Amazónica Terrestre, Iquitos 00784, PerúBoiling River Project, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USAAmazon Research Internacional, Lima 15012, PerúBackground: Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are critical pollinators in the Peruvian Amazon, sustaining biodiversity, crop productivity, and indigenous livelihoods. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the effects of deforestation and illegal logging on their populations remain poorly understood. Nesting tree loss, habitat fragmentation, and changes in elevation influence stingless bee distribution, yet conservation efforts remain insufficient due to a lack of spatial data on their vulnerability. Results: This study examines the spatial distribution, elevation trends, and deforestation threats affecting Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula, with a focus on tree nesting preferences in the Biosphere Reserve Avireri-Vraem. Using literature reviews, field observations, and GPS surveys, we assessed species distribution patterns, deforestation risks, and nesting tree associations. Our findings reveal that over 50% of their habitats overlap with high deforestation risk zones, largely driven by illegal logging of key nesting trees. Elevation analysis indicates species-specific adaptations, with M. eburnea predominantly in lowland regions, while T. angustula is more frequent at higher altitudes. GPS fieldwork identified strong associations with specific host trees, notably Guarea guidonia and Ficus insipida, with larger trees (> 60 cm DBH) serving as critical nesting sites. Several of these, including Aniba gigantiflora and Cedrelinga cateniformis, are among the most ilegally harvested species, intensifying threats to bee populations. Conclusions: Deforestation-driven habitat loss and fragmentation pose an immediate threat to stingless bee populations by reducing nesting availability, limiting pollination networks, and disrupting genetic exchange. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, including the preservation of key nesting trees, the establishment of biological corridors, and the promotion of sustainable forestry practices. Given the role of stingless bees as keystone pollinators, their protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Recognizing stingless bee habitats under a Rights of Nature framework would provide a legal mechanism to safeguard their nesting sites from further exploitation. Furthermore, strengthening community-led conservation efforts in high-risk areas can enhance long-term resilience. This study provides a baseline for future conservation policies, bridging scientific data and indigenous knowledge to protect Amazonian stingless bees and their ecosystems.http://www.e-jecoenv.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5141/jee.25.021amazon rainforestbiodiversitydeforestationnesting preferencesstingless bees |
| spellingShingle | Richar Demetrio Ornella Muñoz-Schrader Julianna Faria Juan Rodrigo Baselly-Villanueva David Cardenas Maite Isuiza Cesar Delgado Andres Ruzo Rosa V. Espinoza Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon Journal of Ecology and Environment amazon rainforest biodiversity deforestation nesting preferences stingless bees |
| title | Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon |
| title_full | Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon |
| title_fullStr | Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon |
| title_short | Spatial distribution, tree host associations, and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the Peruvian Amazon |
| title_sort | spatial distribution tree host associations and deforestation threats on two stingless bee species in the peruvian amazon |
| topic | amazon rainforest biodiversity deforestation nesting preferences stingless bees |
| url | http://www.e-jecoenv.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5141/jee.25.021 |
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