Caracterización de las abejas sin aguijón y uso de sus productos en el cantón Paltas: definiendo limitaciones y pontencialidades

Abstract

Abstract: In the south of ecuador there are multiple efforts to increase the management of stingless bees, where the mancomunidad bosque seco, the mancomunidad de las meliponas, and nature and culture international have been developing projects to strengthen this activity. The present research is aimed at recording the diversity and spatial distribution of stingless bees within the paltas canton, as well as describing the use of hive products, limitations and potentialities through the variables of management, production, and marketing of their products by part of the residents. 10 species of stingless bees were identified, with scaptotrigona vitorum being the most abundant species. The products from these bees are for medicinal and food use. There is great knowledge about these bees and the way to take advantage of them is by extracting their products. It is important to highlight the necessary and immediate intervention of different institutions to promote research, training and thus establish strategies for the correct management and conservation of these species, thus maintaining stable natural ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of the human population in these sectors.