Honey hunting

Honey hunting or honey harvesting is the gathering of honey from wild bee colonies and is one of the most ancient human activities and is still practiced by indigenous societies in parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. Some of the earliest evidence of gathering honey from wild colonies is from rock paintings, dating to around 8,000 BC.

History

Honey hunting has been practiced in Africa for tens of thousands of years. The San people of Southern Africa have a rich oral tradition of honey hunting and it is estimated that honey hunting has been practiced in Africa for 20,000 years. In Asia, honey hunting is still practiced in many remote areas. In Nepal, honey hunting has been practiced for thousands of years and is still an important part of rural economies.

Techniques

Honey hunting typically involves locating a wild bee colony, often in a hollow tree or rock crevice, and then harvesting the honey. The honey is often protected by a swarm of bees and honey hunters must use smoke to calm the bees and access the honey. In some cultures, honey hunters use trained birds, known as honeyguides, to locate bee colonies.

Cultural significance

In many cultures, honey hunting is an important activity that is steeped in tradition. It is often a communal activity that involves the entire community and is accompanied by rituals and ceremonies. In some cultures, honey hunting is considered a rite of passage for young men.

Environmental impact

While honey hunting has been practiced for thousands of years, it can have a negative impact on bee populations if not managed sustainably. Over-harvesting can lead to the destruction of bee colonies and a decline in bee populations. This can have a knock-on effect on local ecosystems as bees play a crucial role in pollination.

See also

• Beekeeping
• Honey
• Bee
• Honeyguide