Geographic Distribution, Key Challenges and Prospects for the Conservation of Threatened Stingless Bee Melipona capixaba Moure e Camargo(Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Sociobiology

Helder Canto Resende¹  M. G. Tavares²  Lúcio A. O. Campos²  Tânia M. Fernandes-Salomão² 

[1] Universidade Federal de Viçosa - Campus UFV Florestal;Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil

关键词: Meliponini;    Endangered Species;    Atlantic Forest;    Restricted Distribution;    Mountain Habitats;   

DOI  :  

来源: Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Brazil

【 摘 要 】

The stingless beeMelipona capixabaMoure and Camargo, 1994 is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its occurrence is restricted to highlands in the Espírito Santo State, and it has possibly the smallest known geographic distribution among the cataloged stingless bees. It is therefore considered to be an endangered species. Perhaps because of its small area of occurrence, or because it was only identified two decades ago, little is known about the biology of this species, its current geographic distribution, or its actual preservation status. Here, we present the results from the largest sampling ofM. capixabaconducted in its natural habitat. We developed a distribution map by using a geographic information system. Our data indicate thatM. capixabais found in the municipalities of Espírito Santo State at altitudes between 800 m and 1,200 m; with annual average temperatures around 18–23°C; precipitation more than 1,200 mm per year; and vegetation cover-type Mountain Dense Ombrophylous Forest, restricted to an area of approximately 3,450 km 2 . We observed colonies both in their natural habitat and under conditions ofex situmaintenance, and identified the key challenges and prospects for the conservation of this endangered bee.

【 授权许可】

Unknown