Ethnobotanical study on plants used for traditional beekeeping by Dulong people in Yunnan, China

Traditional beekeeping practices of the Dulong people in Yunnan, China, involve the use of 38 plant species from 19 families, with a preference for Alnus nepalensis, Pinus yunnanensis, and Juglans regia for log beehive construction. The study, conducted through ethnobotanical methods including interviews and participatory observation in six Dulong villages, reveals rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) associated with beekeeping. This knowledge is critical for conserving native bees and supporting sustainable apiculture. The findings highlight the importance of documenting and applying such TEK to improve livelihoods, conserve biocultural diversity, and protect the eco-environment of the Dulongjiang area.

Cheng, Z., Luo, B., Fang, Q., & Long, C. (2020). Ethnobotanical study on plants used for traditional beekeeping by Dulong people in Yunnan, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-020-00414-z