Apis mellifera ruttneri Conservation Project

Darryl Grech, Co-ordinator for the Ruttneri Conservancy Project, and Thomas Galea, Project Co-ordinator for the Ruttneri Conservancy Project and Member of the Maltese Beekeepers Association

Malta’s indigenous honey bee is Apis mellifera ruttneri, named after Professor Friedrich Ruttner. Apis mellifera ruttneri has evolved and adapted superbly to the environment and harsh climatic conditions of the Maltese Islands. It defends itself supremely well against local pests such as wasps and hornets. Furthermore, solely by natural selection, colonies exhibit resistance to Varroa.

Despite possessing these beneficial traits, some beekeepers are still opting to import nonindigenous honey bees and are threatening the conservation of our unique bee.

Recently a Sicilian apiculturist brought 445 nuclei of exotic bee colonies to our islands to produce queen bees for export. Such intensive beekeeping will ultimately result in the total hybridisation of our already small and critical indigenous bee genetic pool, apart from increasing the risk of diseases and competition for the already limited forage available.

Beekeeping in Malta is one of our oldest traditions. The Greeks and Romans called our island Melite which derives from the Greek word for honey, meli. If things do not drastically improve soon, our apicultural heritage will become history as we lose our indigenous bee forever.

The Project

Despite the uphill struggle, a group of concerned and enthusiastic Maltese beekeepers got in touch with SmartBees (a collaborative research project on bees across Europe) and developed a strategic plan to protect Apis mellifera ruttneri. Thomas Galea is the Project Co-ordinator. Our goal is to safeguard this endangered and unique bee species, and to maintain biodiversity.

Samples of adult honey bees from colonies in apiaries throughout Malta were collected and analysed. Despite skepticism from the majority of local beekeepers that the indigenous bee still exists and is not ‘contaminated’ by imported bees, results have so far revealed the contrary. To our relief and encouragement, analysis of mitochondrial DNA from these samples proves that Apis mellifera ruttneri is still predominant in our islands.

Another study was conducted in 2014 by researcher Ms Sheryl Sammut, (MSc graduate) on Determination of the genetic status of the local honey bee Apis mellifera ruttneri, under the supervision of Drs Mangion and Mifsud of the University of Malta. Results confirmed that the Maltese bee Apis mellifera ruttneri is different from that of Sicily and is more related to the North African bee morphologically and genetically. Therefore, confirming the previous studies conducted by W S Sheppard, A McArias, A Grech and M Meixner in 1997. These are very positive results and will be published soon.

Therefore, we have established that the population of our indigenous bee species is at its most critical point and requires immediate action for conservation.

The visit of SmartBees experts Dr Aleksandar Uzunov and Dr Marina Meixner has provided a morale boost for local beekeepers and further motivated them to unite for this cause.

The training for beekeepers willing to take part in this breeding programme included interesting theoretical presentations and practical in-field demonstrations of breeding and selection methods. As recommended by SmartBees, testing stations will be set up across the Maltese islands to conserve the population of local bees. We will develop tools for safeguarding future populations by increasing the frequencies of the valuable traits in the local bee populations.

Breeders have also been instructed to follow a performance testing protocol as established by SmartBees: their breeding strategy has already proved successful and adjustment of the testing methods will be allowed to suit our islands’ conditions. These techniques will allow Apis mellifera ruttneri to be adapted to suit the needs of local beekeepers and most importantly enable this bees’ preservation through utilisation.

Apis mellifera ruttneri

Photo © Per Kryger

The next crucial step being evaluated is assessing which Apis mellifera ruttneri queens will be selected to start this breeding programme. The locations for testing stations will be established to ensure that they are evenly spread across the islands.

We are working on our list of supporters for this project both locally and worldwide. Their backing is extremely valuable to our initiative. Up until now renowned organisations including Bees for Development, Bee or Not to be, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, have expressed their support and joined our cause. Against all odds, with sheer hard work and determination, we will prevail and this project will be a success!

Our Objectives

• Providing appropriate training to local beekeepers to improve knowledge on understanding and undertaking and sustainable apiculture.

• Encouraging new beekeepers to start with Apis mellifera ruttneri.

• Safeguarding existing Apis mellifera ruttneri colonies.

• Increasing the number of healthy colonies of the Maltese indigenous bee.

• Improving certain traits and characteristics of Apis mellifera ruttneri by selection to enhance its reputation among beekeepers.

• Promoting the local bee species among beekeepers.

• Having stock of Apis melliferi ruttneri queens to sustain local demand.

• Recognising and certifying Apis mellifera ruttneri with scientific evidence.

• Developing a policy to control the importation of exotic bee species – to preserve our indigenous species.

Close up of Apis mellifera ruttneri

Photo © Per Kryger

Training in progress arranged by SmartBees

Photo © Darryl Grech/Thomas Galea

Apis mellifera ruttneri is more than just a bee, it is OUR bee!