Evaluation of wild bee diversity in fruit orchards within the Ba Den mountain area, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract Wild bees are commonly found and play a vital role in pollinating various crops. Unfortunately, the number of wild bee species is experiencing a steep decline, attributed to deforestation, the application of agricultural pesticides, escalating environmental pollution, and the spread of urbanization. Hence, research on bee diversity is essential for the protection of these crucial pollinators. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of wild bee richness and abundance within fruit orchards. From February to May 2023, the study was conducted in the Ba Den mountain area of Tay Ninh Province, encompassing Tay Ninh City and the Duong Minh Chau district. Malaise traps were used to collect bee samples during the flowering season of the fruit orchards. Simultaneously, the flowering plants in the surrounding vicinity were meticulously identified and observed. The composition of wild bees was determined and compared between orchards. In total, 836 bee specimens belonging to 27 distinct wild bee species spanning three families, along with 30 flowering plant species across 17 families, were recorded. It was found that the Apidae family stood out as the most abundant and diverse group within the wild bee population. Additionally, the abundance of Ceratina smaragdula was noted across three orchards. Within the fruit orchards, the Fabaceae and Asteraceae families emerged as widely prevalent among flowering plants. Importantly, the first fruit orchard exhibited a greater richness and abundance of wild bees, coupled with a higher count of flowering plant species, in comparison to the other fruit orchards. The amassed data in this study, which encompasses insights into biodiversity, distribution patterns, and variations across different orchards, not only aids in the preservation of these pivotal pollinators but also lends essential support to the realm of agricultural production.