Diversity of bees in and around Mt Kadam in Namalu, Karamoja Sub-Region

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the diversity of bees in mount Kadam and to assess the efficiency of pan trapping and hand netting as bee collection methods. The study aimed at addressing the lack of comprehensive information on bee pollinator biodiversity in the semi-arid regions of Uganda, with a specific focus on Mt. Kadam in Namalu-Nakapiripirit District. Two sites and one transect of 10m wide by 100m long in each study site were chosen according to the type of the habitats i.e. farmland and the semi-natural habitat. Hand netting and pan traps were used to collect bees in each study site. Results were analyzed, and different ecological indices and analytical methods were applied. A total of 300 bees belonging to 17 genera, in 3 families (Apidae, Halictidae and Megachilidae) were recorded. However, the t’-test statistical analysis showed no statistical difference in the biodiversity indices between the semi-natural and the farmland habitats. Evenness index was noted to be the same in both habitats. Apidae was the most abundant (53%) bee family in the study area, followed by Halictidae (32%), and the least abundant family was Megacilidae (5%). Hand netting and pan trapping collected almost the same number of bees in the semi-natural habitat and in the farmland.

This study's findings will contribute to the existing knowledge on bee diversity, abundance, and distribution, specifically in semi-arid regions of Uganda. The research outcomes will have practical implications for agricultural practices, conservation strategies, and sustainable land management, ultimately supporting both ecological and economic well-being in Karamoja sub- region.