Hive of discovery: Terengganu’s sanctuary for rare stingless bees

In a sanctuary nestled within Bukit Kor, researchers in Terengganu are assembling what they consider to be the most extensive collection of stingless bee species in the Indo-Malaya region. The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Indo-Malaya Stingless Bee Repository houses 20 kelulut species, some of which were previously unknown in peninsular Malaysia. This 0.4-ha sanctuary is evolving into a hub for biodiversity conservation, featuring flowering gardens, heritage plants, and even an Amazonian water lily.

Among its rare inhabitants are Heterotrigona erythrogastra, Tetrigona peninsularis, and Sundatrigona moorei. Taxonomic identification has confirmed their identities, making the collection a valuable resource for researchers. Visitors can observe the bees' physical features, nesting structures, and behavior, revealing a diversity that extends beyond their common association with honey production.

The sanctuary's ambitions extend beyond bee conservation. A developing flower garden will provide nectar and pollen throughout the year, sustaining the colonies and attracting other pollinating insects. Recent overseas research highlights the importance of maintaining diverse vegetation to support insects reliant on reliable food sources. Once completed, the flower garden is expected to become a popular attraction for nature enthusiasts.

The sanctuary also focuses on reintroducing four species of Kor palms, which once thrived in Bukit Kor's natural landscape but disappeared due to agricultural land clearing. The team has planted 400 trees representing 90 rare species, including traditional fruit trees and village life plants. Their largest attraction, the giant Amazonian water lily (Victoria amazonica), features circular leaves that can reach 3m in diameter and striking white to pink flowers over two nights.

The sanctuary's smallest residents, the stingless bees, remain central to its mission, emphasizing that protecting biodiversity begins with understanding the relationships between plants and the insects that depend on them.