Morphometric analysis of the Carniolan Honeybee (Apis mellifera carnica) in the Republic of Srpska

Beekeeping plays a significant role in animal husbandry, providing valuable products such as honey, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, propolis, bee swarms, queens, and pollination services, essential for the survival of terrestrial ecosystems. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is classified into various subspecies, with the Carniolan bee (Apis mellifera carnica) being native to the Republic of Srpska. This research aimed to investigate the potential hybridization between native Carniolan bees and other subspecies, mainly the Greek (Apis mellifera cecropia) and Anatolian (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) bees, using geometric morphometry. Samples of adult bees were collected from 17 registered breeding centres across the Republic of Srpska and analyzed using the IdentiFly software, which relies on geometric morphometry for classification. The results have indicated some hybridization with the A. m. cecropia and A. m. anatolica, particularly in breeding centres located in warmer regions, such as Trebinje. However, no significant influence from the A. m. ligustica was observed. The northward spread of Greek and Anatolian bees, influencing the Carniolan bee population, is primarily due to the import of queens from these regions, with climate change acting as a significant contributing factor. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and selective breeding to preserve the native Carniolan bee and adapt it to the challenges posed by illegal queen import and climate change. Future research should focus on detailed analyses of bee populations and the impact of climate change on the distribution of honeybee breeds.