The stingless bees as a native animal genetic resource

Abstract

In Guatemala we have 33 species of native stingless bees, which produce honey, wax, pollen and propolis, for the feeding of their young and the maintenance of the hive. It has been reported that the Melipona beechei species was domesticated by the Maya and the products of its hive were widely used within this millenary culture. Currently, the honey of native bees is part of our culture and is widely used by different native peoples, descendants of the Mayans. Because of their large number of individuals, their biology and ecology, these native bees are also important pollinators of many wild plants. In the Unit for the knowledge, use and valuation of biodiversity, the Center for Conservationist Studies -CECON- have been conducted without number of research to know the diversity of native bees, distribution, conservation status, importance as pollinators, breeding technified, the characterization of honey, interactions with plants, among other topics. The information generated will allow to have the necessary bases for the use of the products of the hives of the native bees without stings, in a sustainable and responsible way. In addition, that is translated into economic income through the marketing of their products, but retaining this native zoogenetic resource.