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A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD Preservation of our Natural Pollinators - Vital for Mankind's Survival.
A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD Preservation of our Natural Pollinators - Vital for Mankind's Survival.
Date: 2024-11-26
Recognition of the role of the Honey Bee is at last receiving focus. Without this Global Pollinator the survival of mankind is "At Risk" due to the extreme loss of fruits and berries, nuts and all seed-bearing plants whether in the Wild or under cultivation, often extensive areas of Land Resource.
The early Egyptians cherished the honey from their bees. In those days a dome-shaped clay pot protected the swarm, with the Nubina slaves trained as carers. Honey retains its quality indefinitely, with even a jar being discovered in King Tut's tomb. No doubt the Hunter Gatherers would have collected honey from Wild Bees, but today Bee-Keeping in an Apairy is beneficial for all consumers, and augments the Wild swarms where they occur naturally. For successful agricultural production pollination of the crop is critical, with Bee hives often distributed over extensive areas to ensure optimum pollination of the flowering crop.
In South Africa two species are dominant. Firstly, Apis mellifera scutellate which is found throughout all Provinces, except in the Cape where Apis mellifera capensis enjoy the Vnybos and floral splendor of the Western Cape. Of interest is the Cape Point Nature Reserve which maintains a rich bio-diversity of indigenous species. Some years ago through donations and community based events a pair of Honey Badgers were successfully re-introduced.
The Hive community is structured with the Queen Bee the titular head who lays the eggs. The smaller worker bees collect the nectar and pollen for honey and to make Beeswax, also propolis and royal jelly. The larger male bee or Drone, protects the Hive, and the many wings perform the aircon function!
The Cone has a specific format comprising a cavity with a thin-walled hexagon shape which "holds" the honey. Each bee has five eyes; one on each side and three on top of the head. They gain direction from the Sun and in this regard the Butterfly species are the same. Indigenous flowering shrubs such as Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristate) and Blue and White Plumbago will attract species of Butterflies,
plus many other indigenous varieties from the Blue Barleria along the Coast, to the pink Porn-porn Tree (Dias cotinifolia) flowering in valleys below the Drakensburg. When the butterfly lays her eggs on the under-side of a leaf synergy is at work. When the larvae hatch there is an abundant protein lunch for the new Robin hatchlings. By night the moths take up the task of pollination.
Alarm bells are ringing across the Globe at the current decrease in Bee Populations. The Causes stem not only from the reduction in the Natural Environment and its Bio-Diversity, but from the disappearance of Veld Grasslands under increasing and extensive agriculture, also degradation of forests. The use of man-made pesticides, toxins and chemicals continue to cause death of the natural pollinators. In parts of China it is already recorded that hand pollination has become necessary. This must surely escalate food costs to higher levels to cover minimum wages.
It is evident that to "Save the Bees" and all the pollinators a major Re-Wilding Program is required to Re-introduce our wealth of indigenous species, and at the same time eradicate Alien plants. Our "Green Heritage" is in URGENT need of 'Care and Attention' from all communities and Administration, with Professional Guidelines and 'proven' supervision. The Sunbirds will relish nectar from the new hedgerow with flowering orange Cape Honeysuckle and golden heads of Psychotria capensis (Black-bird Berry).
In Australia it is interesting to learn that the many Fig Tree species each enjoy a specific Beetle as the Sole Pollinator. The tourist' may note the isolated Morton Bay Fig Tree at the Reinet House in Graaf Reinet, similarly at the Judd House in Kimberley another solitary Fig Tree. Behold solitary confinement -No beetle to pollinate! Focus on restoring our Bio-Diversity will benefit our Pollinators and ensure food Security for all.

