Community-based beekeeping practices of Apis cerana in the Ir. H. Djuanda Great Forest Park, West Java, Indonesia
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Abstract. Wulandari I, Husodo T, Hasanah DN, Khairina F, Shanida SS. 2026. Community-based beekeeping practices of Apis cerana in the Ir. H. Djuanda Great Forest Park, West Java, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 9 (1): y090116. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjethnobiol/y090116. Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) beekeeping provides essential livelihood support for local communities in Indonesia. However, their population has declined due to land-use changes, pesticide exposure, and inadequate beekeeping practices, while knowledge of their biology and management remains limited. This study aims to document local knowledge and beekeeping practices in the Ir. H. Djuanda Great Forest Park (DGFP), West Java, Indonesia. The research was conducted in July 2025 using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative interviews. Sampling consisted of a census of 35 beekeepers and five purposively selected key informants, selected for their experience and involvement in community-based beekeeping. Results highlight the continued dominance of traditional beehive systems (66%), reflecting long-established techniques and familiarity with materials. Albizia sp. is the most widely used beehive wood (69%), preferred for its lightweight, availability, and affordability. Beekeeping sites are strongly forest-oriented, with colonies commonly placed in shaded, resource-rich areas in Batu Garok (BG: 39%), Deer Enclosure (DE: 64%), and Maribaya (MB: 50%). Additional practices include constructing beehives with standardized dimensions, selecting sites based on floral availability, conducting routine maintenance, and mitigating pests and predators. The main beehive types used are traditional glodok and box hives, chosen for durability and ease of management. These findings underscore the important role of local knowledge in supporting the persistence of A. cerana and forest-compatible livelihoods. Strengthening technical capacity, especially in value-added products such as propolis and royal jelly, may enhance economic resilience and sustain community-based beekeeping in DGFP.
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