The perception of bee and wasp fauna (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) by the inhabitants of Mangdi Valley, central Bhutan
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Abstract
This paper explores the perception, knowledge, and attitude of the inhabitants of Mangdi Valley in Trongsa District concerning bees and wasps (Hymenoptera). Prevailing conservation threats to these ecologically important insects were determined. Data were collected from June to September 2018 by means of open-ended interviews from 32 randomly selected individuals. Responses to questions regarding their perceptions were analyzed and comparisons were made among a variety of demographic groups distinguished by age group, gender, and education status. The results showed that the people were aware of 5–10 species of common bees and wasps, mostly found in the agriculture and forested areas. The main threats faced by these insects are developmental activities followed by hunting and consumption.
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Funding data
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Rufford Foundation
Grant numbers Grant No./ID: 17969-1
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