Ecological Distribution of Giant Asian Honey Bee, Apis Dorsata Fabricius in Chandrapur District, Eastern Region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The giant honeybee, Apis dorsata Fabricius, plays a vital role as an open-nesting pollinator, constructing massive single-comb hives on varied natural and anthropogenic substrata. This study investigates the nesting patterns, colony abundance, and habitat preferences of Apis dorsata across Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India, over a four-year period from May 2022 to May 2026. Field surveys conducted during successive nesting seasons evaluated colony distribution across diverse habitats, including forest, agricultural, industrial, and urban areas (buildings and water reservoirs). The findings reveal that Apis dorsata exhibits a highly seasonal nesting and colony-building cycle strongly correlated with climatic factors, particularly average temperature, relative humidity. The primary nesting period spanned from October to January, with peak colony abundance consistently recorded during the winter months (October, November, December and January). This population surge aligns with optimal environmental conditions and the bountiful availability of local nectar and pollen resources. Spatial analysis indicates a distinct nesting preference for trees within forest and agricultural ecosystems, which offer abundant foraging opportunities, followed by water tanks and high-rise buildings. Anthropogenic structures, particularly water reservoirs at inaccessible elevations, were heavily favored in urban and industrial zones due to the continuous availability of water and reduced disturbance. Ultimately, the distribution of Apis dorsata colonies in Chandrapur is heavily dictated by the synergistic presence of rich flora and secure, elevated nesting substrates.