Bee Interaction at Kadumane, Dandeli
On reaching Kadumane, we were greeted with a glass of herbal tea. Meanwhile Narashima asked people from his homestay to join and the bee interaction started. In an open space we were led to a blue box. He started with a brief background on Joida taluk in which Dandeli is located. Uttara Kannda district which includes both Joida and Dandeli, has the largest forest cover (76.2 % courtesy FSI) in Karnataka. Uttara Kannada district also has the second largest dam in Karnataka, called Supa dam. Built on River Kali, this dam produces a bulk of Karnataka’s electricity needs. But electricity supply here is erratic.
A list of forest cover district wise for the India state of Karnataka:
Then he talked about interesting natural history of bees. He told bees are very important for nature to continue. As a large percentage of flowering plant’s pollination is done by bees. If their numbers are affected then it could affect the natural process. But unfortunately that seems be the case now. Due to increase in mobile phone density and mobile phone towers, its wavelength are effecting Bees and their numbers have started to show a decline in nature. Bees are a social insect and has a complex social hierarchy. Then he went on to tap the box twice, indicating to the Bees that the box would be opened. He said this is a courtesy like knocking on one’s door before entering. Meanwhile, he advised everyone to stand still and not to be scared.
He opened the box and took out a tray. The beehive did not developed fully in there. He moved in closer and kissed the bees. Some interesting information he shared on Bees:
- There could be only one queen bee in a bee hive.
- Queen bee is always guarded by the soldier bees.
- Worker bees extract honey only from those flowers instructed by queen bee.
- Soldier bees attack only when ordered by queen bee.
- Bees are intelligent insect and are capable of attacking selectively if they can identify the culprit. In this regard he told a story about a boy who had snapped a bee hive and was attacked by bees leaving others.
- Worker bees are females who are non productive sexually
- Drones are male bees whose sole work is to mate with the queen. Once they successfully mate, they die.
- Lifespan of worker bees are in between 2 – 4 months.
- Life span of queen bee is 3 – 5 years.
- To collect a drop of honey more than 500 flight to a flower is required
- Before the queen bee dies, it goes to the forest and brings an essence. It sprays this essence on a normal egg which after hatching becomes a queen bee. So this essence decides who will be the queen bee and her elongated life. Scientist are desperate to find the substance involved which they believe can also increase human lifespan.
- Bee bites are now taken as a therapy. It is said that they help in prevention of asthma. In fact in developed countries people pay for bee bites as therapy.
During the interactive session I did move to take pictures from close quarters but the bees dint felt disturbed. I think when we are around insects or animal, if we respect their space and maintain a discipline they will not be angry. After the session I moved around the home stay field where the tents were located. Took a close look of the tent, which looked good and comfortable.
If you want to visit Kadumane for a stay or bee interactive session call Narashima Bhat at: 094800 85707.
Website: http://www.dandelikadumane.com
On the contrary, if you are looking for complete package of Dandeli, contact Dandeli.com