Abstract / Introduction / Summary:
The Japanese honeybee, Apis cerana japonica, potentially plays a crucial role in the pollination of Yakushima Island’s flora due to its interaction with a diverse range of flowers. Nevertheless, the precise distribution and population density of native honeybees on Yakushima Island remain unknown. A comprehensive study spanning 25 years utilized observational methods to examine the distribution and density of these honeybee workers. Japanese honeybees were observed in high density across nearly all areas of the island. However, at elevations surpassing 1000 meters, their population tends to decline, with a notable absence in highlands exceeding 1300 meters. Approximately half of the natural nests were situated within hollows in cedar trees.
