Distribution, biology and ecology of honeybees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera; Apidae) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: a review

Abstract The Eastern Cape is the only province in South Africa with the two honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera scutellata and Apis mellifera capensis together with a hybrid found in three zones. In order to maintain these zones, each of these honeybee populations have evolved a unique reproductive biology which is reviewed in this paper. The province is also rich in plant diversity and has one of the country’s biodiversity hotspots. This implies that there are enormous sources of nectar, pollen and other raw material necessary for honeybee productivity. Beekeeping provides pollination services as well as honey, wax, propolis and pollen among others that are traded in international markets. While there is huge potential for beekeeping in the province to serve as a source of income, food, employment and poverty alleviation, its full potential has yet to be realized. This is due to a lack of basic resources, knowledge and management skills required for beekeeping. Beekeeping in the province is currently practiced mostly by indigenous farmers with little knowledge of honeybees, their biology and ecology. Given this, the review also discusses the foraging ecology, beekeeping, potential pathogens, parasites, pests and predators of honeybees within the province.