Análise da percepção e do uso das “abelhas” em propriedades rurais dos municípios de Picuí e Nova Floresta, semiárido paraibano.

Abstract

Bees are complementary part of biodiversity and all biomes, since play a major role as pollinators, contributing to conservation, regeneration and sustainability of ecosystems. This study describes the perception and use of bee species assembly representatives of rural properties in the municipalities of Nova Floresta and Picuí, region of semiarid, Paraiba. Data collection was performed at three farms: the Malhada da Catingueira (Picuí), Morada Nova (Picuí) and Boi Morto (New Forest), between the months of September and October 2013. The research was done through the application of semi-structured questionnaires (questionnaire A: perception of bee species assembly by the locals; questionnaire B : production of honey and questionnaire C: accidents) applied to beekeepers (n = 3) and any member of the community who wanted participate in the study (n = 30). Quantitative data were worked out in the form of absolute and relative (percentage) frequencies. Regarding the perception of bees, respondents generally found to have prior knowledge, with positive perceptions about the ecological and economic values, as well as the use of honey , this is the most used product in three properties, for medicinal purposes and food and also addressing the different types of bees, the best known being the Italian bee. Most respondents (30 % M. Catingueira, M. Nova 10 % and 30 % Boi Morto) reported the role pollinator bees. Beekeepers showed a superficial knowledge about bees, beekeeping aimed at as an activity that can generate income. For this activity beekeepers do not have adequate support nor a qualified course, only the beekeepers of Morada Nova and Boi Morto had a stroke, but considered "weak". With respect to the production and profitability of the beekeeper Malhada da Catingueira stands out compared to others. The products most used are honey and wax. All three properties were reported accidents, with a higher rate on the Boi Morto. These properties accidents involving adults, the elderly and animals, with the exception of the Malhada da Catingueira mentioned that accidents only with seniors. In these cases there was immediate death of both the individual and animals, allergic reactions and hospitalization.