> > The optimal number from the bees's
> > point of view, is one hive per location.  Larger numbers increase
> competition,  and the chances of saturating the area with foragers ...
>
> Such a low number of hives (one) per location would result in very poor
> genetic diversity, would it not?...

Of course this can be a consideration, but the question of diversity is a
different matter entirely from the question of how many hives can survive and
thrive on one site.  Since many beekeepers requeen regularly, and buy mated
queens from far away, and some use use hybrids, for those beekeepers, this
would not be an issue.  For those attempting to breed bees or maintain a stock,
the question of neighbouring bees becomes significant, and can be more complex,
involving much more than just the number of hives on one location.

allen

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