Bee flora of Kashmir: The Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

The Kashmir Himalaya, nestled in the north-western side of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, possesses a rich biodiversity of immense potential. Plethora of anthropogenic activities during last few decades has deleteriously affected the biodiversity of this fragile mountain ecosystem, thereby threatening its bio-security. Contextually, conservation of the biota assumes vital importance, for which inventorization and documentation of the biota is essential. Though some work has been done on different aspects of the flora but not on the bee flora of the area. Present study documents the diversity of bee flora from this biodiversity-rich part of the Himalaya. Systematic survey and field observation approach has been used to document the diversity of foraging plants of bees. During the present study, a total 228 plant species belonging to 182 genera and 58 families were recorded, which serve as food source for bees. Overall 77 foraging species were found frequently visited by bees. Annual herbs were found as potential source of pollen and nectar. Majority of plant species were both pollen and nectar-producing and grow as wild in this Himalayan region. A total 37 bee species belonging to 15 genera and 6 families were found visiting the documented flowering plants for their food. Family Apidae was found to be dominant group of bees.