Beekeeping in Mongolia

Abstract

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved. Notwithstanding harsh climate conditions, the country of Mongolia is rich in insect fauna and is welcoming for managed honey bees. Since 1959, several different races or subspecies of managed honey bees have been introduced and subsequently maintained in Mongolia. These include Apis mellifera mellifera, Apis mellifera caucasia, Apis mellifera carpatica, (the Russian Far East bee), and the local Haliun bee line. These honey bees are well adapted to the climate condition of the country. A survey of honey bee species was conducted and revealed Varroa destructor, Nosema ceranae, and four viral infections distributed throughout Mongolia. Despite pathogens here the main stressors are climate variability. Cold conditions exist as the primary stress with the confluence of predators forming a secondary stressor for honey bees (bear attacks to hives, wasps, snakes, and ants). Aside from honey bees, nearly 30 species of bumble bees, in addition to other nonApis bees, have been recorded in Mongolia. Little is known in the country about their biology or their importance for local pollination but it is assumed that they contribute essential pollination services as non-Apis bees do in other regions. Based on all given factors, it can be concluded that Mongolia is a great place for beekeeping and honey bee research.