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Date: | Sun, 27 Nov 2022 15:33:02 -0500 |
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Regarding the surprising colony density of riparian woodland habitat., perhaps in addition to better nectar-foraging opportunities, this habitat may also offer increased presence of suitable tree cavities. For an obligate cavity-nesting species like the western honey bee that may even be a better predictor of feral colony densities.
This colony-favorable habitat difference may arise from natural selection of tree species, rates of growth, site-specific differences in storm damage, presence of cavity-creating animals (birds, insects, etc.) and, of course, human-caused differences of woodlands exploitation. Riparian areas may present enough difficulties for loggers that more, larger, older, trees may remain out of their clutches.
I am always non-plussed when feral colony densities are studied without considering the pressure of cavity-scarcity as a significant factor. You can't say feral bees have a colony density of x number / per acre without knowing how many unused, but otherwise suitable, cavities exist on the site. Otherwise your data may merely reflect cavity density, not colony density.
Nancy
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