Trend of honey bee colonies in Albania and threatening factors

Abstract

Pollinators and pollination have economic, environmental and socio-cultural values known throughout the world. Our goal for the realization of this study has been the recognition of the threatening factors for these pollinators of great importance, helping beekeepers in identifying threatening sources and taking preventive measures in a timely manner. To complete this study, were distributed questionnaires to 66 parks in different districts of Albania and were made field observations. The average value of bee losses in the late winter period and the beginning of spring 2016-2017 was 30-45%. Based on the losses we classified the districts into two groups. 1. Those with low average of colony losses losses of 10%. 2. Those with high average of colony losses (>40%): Bulqizë, Dibër, Tiranë, Librazhd, Korçë, Ersekë, Lushnje and Durrah. Among the main factors that may have caused these last winter losses we ranked: pathogens and predators, environmental factors and beekeeping practices. Although we had a significant loss during last winter, long-term trend for bees in Albania is growing. (<15%): Lezhë, Përmet, Berat and Sarandë. Specifically Berat seems to have the lowest