RESILIENCE OF NATIVE FLORA IN THE CAATINGA BIRD IN THE SERTÃO DO PAJEÚ (PE): BOTANICAL CHARACTERIZATION, ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE AND POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING AND MELIPONICULTURE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n3-074Keywords:
Stingless Bees, Biodiversity, Sustainability, Pernambuco Caatinga, Pollination by BeesAbstract
The Caatinga is a biome exclusive to the Brazilian semi-arid region, characterized by high biodiversity and plant species adapted to extreme climatic conditions, playing a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem services, especially pollination. In this context, this study aimed to carry out the survey and botanical characterization of plant species with apicultural and meliponicultural potential in the Caatinga of the Sertão do Pajeú, Pernambuco, highlighting their ecological importance and their contribution to sustainable production systems. The study was conducted in the municipality of Serra Talhada (PE), between May and September 2024, in areas of Caatinga vegetation located at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada Academic Unit (UAST), and its surroundings. The species were recognized by field observations, collected in the reproductive stage, preserved in herbariums, and identified with the aid of botanical keys, specialized literature, and comparison with herbarium specimens. Ten plant species with potential forage for bees were identified, encompassing different growth habits (tree, shrub, subshrub, herbaceous, and climbing) and offering nectar, pollen, or both. Notable species include Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (sabiá), Mimosa tenuiflora (jurema-preta), Astronium urundeuva (aroeira), and Triplaris gardneriana (pajeú), which are fundamental for maintaining colonies during periods of water scarcity, as well as Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), which establishes a direct relationship between pollinators and agricultural productivity. The results highlight the high potential of the native flora of the Caatinga in the Sertão do Pajeú and reinforce the importance of conserving these species to strengthen beekeeping, meliponiculture, and environmental sustainability in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco.
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