Browsing by Author "Njau, Marcelian A."

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    Apiculture Potential in Protected Areas: The Case of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania
    (Taylor & Francis, 2009) Njau, Marcelian A.; Mpuya, Pauline M.; Mturi, Fatina A.
    Information on nesting behaviour, productivity in natural tree cavities and man-made hives and natural enemies of resident stinging honeybee sub-species was gathered for a period of 1 year in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Three sub-species of the honeybee Apis mellifera occur in this area. Six types of hive were sited in appropriate locations and colony dynamics studied. The bees also nested in tree cavities facing east and west, and also in most types of hive, with the exception of burnt brick ground level ‘Chikka’ hives. There were few natural enemies of bees in the area. The density of honeybee colonies per hectare, occupancy of various types of hive and quantity of honey and beeswax harvested from various types of hive all favoured beekeeping in this area. Development of apiculture in the area and its role in conservation of the Udzungwa ecosystem are discussed.
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    Options for Stingless Honey-Beekeeping around Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania, and Implications for Biodiversity Management
    (Taylor & Francis, 2010) Njau, Marcelian A.; Mturi, Fatina A.; Mpuya, Pauline M.
    Resident stingless honey-bees in the Udzungwa area were investigated for a period of 1 year. Specimens of stingless honey-bees were captured on flowers and on natural nest entrances. Six local stingless honey-bee species, namely Dactylurina schmidti, Plebeina hildebrandti, Axestotrigona erythra, Meliponula ogouensis, M. lendliana and M. ferruginea, were found in the area, all of which are known to the local people. Honey productivity per colony in experimental hives varied according to species: M. ogouensis average 3.2 L, M. lendliana average 2.7 L, D. schmidti average 1.6 L and P. hildebrandti average 0.6 L. These findings indicate good potential for beekeeping in the lower altitude area at the foot of the Udzungwa Mountains, where the stingless honey-bee species diversity is greatest. The article discusses some options for intensification of management of the bee resources while maintaining natural biodiversity in the area.