Apiculture strategies in Malaysia: planning and implementation

Abstract

Apiculture is the science of beekeeping. Human being deals with wild bee for more than 8,000 years, by collecting honey, as presented in rock paintings dating from 8000 to 15,000 years. The earliest recorded hives are seen in paintings and drawings on tombs and other monuments in Egypt, and the design spread and matured all around the Mediterranean (Gould, et al 1988). According to Chang et al (2003), beekeeping existed in China Since 1600 B. C. Feral bee colonies were kept in hand made cases. Hives exploit the honeybees’ natural tendency to build nests in cavities, and allow beekeepers to easily transport and manipulate bee colonies. This mobility has enabled beekeepers to introduce honeybees around the world, except areas in which bees survival were threatened by extreme environment.