Stingless bees, also known as "kelulut" bees have origins in Malaysia and have existed for thousands of years. A group of bees do not have stingers and are known for their essential role as pollinators in many ecosystems. In Malaysia, there are several species of stingless bees that are native to the country, including Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracic, and Tetrigona apical.Geniotrigona thoracica, and Tetrigona apicalis. Stingless bees have been kept by indigenous people in Malaysia for centuries for their honey, which has medicinal properties and highly valued for its unique taste. In recent years there has been a growing interest in stingless beekeeping in Malaysia, both for commercial and conservation purposes. One good thing about stingless bees is, they are relatively easy to keep as they do not require as much maintenance as traditional honeybees. They are also less aggressive and more docile, making them a good option for urban beekeeping.
As we have seen the benefits of this stingless bee, their population is affected due to deforestation, urbanization, and land-use changes. This can result in a loss of food sources and nesting sites for stingless bees, which can lead to declines in their populations. Another factor that has significantly affected the population of the bee is the climate and environmental changes. This is because the bees are highly adapted to specific climate conditions and are sensitive to changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and vegetation. The changes in temperature and humidity can affect the behaviour of stingless bees, including their nesting, foraging, and mating activities.
Nevertheless, stingless bees play an important role in pollinating many crops and wild plants, which are essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and the production of food for both humans and wildlife. The decline in the population of stingless bees can have far-reaching consequences for both environment and human societies. For example, the loss of pollinators can lead to reduced crop yields, which can affect food security and livelihoods in many parts of the world. It can also impact the survival of other animals that rely on the same plants for food and shelter.
Thus, to protect the population of stingless bees, it is important to promote sustainable land use practices that preserve natural habitats, reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and promote the planting of diverse crops that provide food and nesting resources for these bees. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand the biology and ecology of stingless bees and to develop strategies for their conservation and management.
In this design challenge, we would like to monitor and study the stingless bee nest in order to understand which condition is the best for the stingless bee.