A swarm of bees has been growing close to the start of the yellow trail here at REGUA. These were identified as most likely being European Honey Bees Apis mellifera. As this is one of our main trails, to lessen the chances of the bees being disturbed and staff and visitors attacked, the decision was made to attempt to relocate the hive. Local beekeeper, Odinho Cunha, was called in to help. Odinho inherited his passion for wildlife from his father who was one of the first ecologists in the Guapiaçu area.

Once the smoker is lit and producing sufficient smoke, the equipment, including the new hive are moved closer to the bees. Odinho then suits up and prepares for action. The long grass in the area around where the swarm has been seen is then cleared with a brushcutter in order to find the hive itself. The hive is found inside an old tree stump. Odinho reaches into the hive and removes some of the honeycomb. This is then placed in the new hive in order to encourage the bees to relocate their home there.

If we are successful, within the next few weeks, the bees should have moved completely. Once settled into the new hive, we are then free to relocate them to a safer location that will hopefully be mutually beneficial for both parties.