Wild honey bee diversity

Four out of eight species of Asian honey bees are native to Nepal:

• A. laboriosa commonly known as cliff or rock honey bee
• A. dorsata commonly known as giant honey bee
• A. florea commonly known as little bee
• A. cerana commonly known as Asiatic hive bee

Importance of wild honey bees

• vital role in pollination of mountain crops and wild flora.
• The pollination service ensures continuity of plant species that are restricted to high altitude virgin forests.
• The value-added products such as pollen, beeswax and propolis can be used in apitherapy or sold as separate products.
• As these products are niche products, they have high economic value and can increase the income for vulnerable and poor mountain farmers.
• Honey from wild honey bees is highly nutritious and can be used as medicinal food in the Himalayan region, where medical facilities are scarce.