Efeitos positivos da ação humana no estabelecimento de abelhas nativas sem ferrão no ambiente urbano: exemplo em um Campus Universitário

Abstract

Bees are considered extremely important pollinators for several species of flowering plants. Urban expansion carried out by man has been causing damage to these organisms, mainly due to the destruction and fragmentation of habitats. Despite being considered a hostile environment for bees, cities can offer opportunities to establish colonies, such as tree pruning. This study investigated the positive effects of human action on the establishment of native stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponinae) in urban environments, using the Umuarama campus of the Federal University of Uberlândia, in Uberlândia, Brazil, as a case study. The research was based on the hypothesis that tree pruning may act as a facilitation factor for the nesting of these pollinators. A total of 323 Caesalpinia pluviosa (Sibipiruna) trees were analyzed to identify the presence or absence of nests, their location in relation to pruning, and the species involved. In total, 62 nests were recorded, distributed among five species, with Nannotrigona testaceicornis being the most abundant. Statistical analyses indicated a significant association between nest presence and pruned areas, confirming the initial hypothesis. The results demonstrate that urban management practices, such as pruning, can create microhabitats that favor the occupation of stingless bees, contributing to biodiversity maintenance and the provision of pollination ecosystem services in urban areas. This study reinforces the importance of pollinator conservation in cities and the need for public policies that integrate environmental planning and sustainability.