[MBKM] Yogyakarta, 9 November 2023, In efforts to support research and the development of Indonesia’s natural wealth, the MBKM research team has successfully completed further research in Mount Merbabu National Park (TNGMb) from June 2-4, 2023. The research led by Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D., along with Aqil Abyan Rahman, Cornelius Devito Deva Pramana Atmaja, and Nadiva Adelia Nurdin. This research was also assisted by R. Hanindyo Adi, S.Si., M.Si., a Ph.D. student in the Entomology laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.
This research activity was a continuation of previous explorations conducted in November 2022, May 2023, and June 2023. The research team successfully identified three tribes of corbiculate bees, namely Bombini (mountain bumblebees), Apini (honey bees), and Meliponini (stingless bees), distributed in the TNGMb Pakis Resort area across 15 grids with an elevation range of 737-2496 meters above sea level. Morphological character analysis was conducted on the three tribes of corbiculate bees, revealing the species found to be Bombus rufipes, Apis cerana, and Tetragonula laeviceps. Based on molecular analysis using the 16s primer on samples from TNGMb, it was found that B. rufipes is closely related to B. eximius from Thailand, A. cerana is closely related to A. cerana from Japan, and T. laeviceps is closely related to T. laeviceps from Yogyakarta. Molecular analysis still requires more comprehensive comparisons. Morphometric-geometric analysis is currently being conducted on the samples to understand how differences in elevation affect bee adaptation, especially in wing size and shape.
The Merbabu Bee MBKM research team expresses gratitude to the Dean and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service,Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology, UGM, for providing permission, facilities, and funding for this activity. We also thank Ir. Junita Parjanti, M.T., Head of TNGMb Office, Mrs. Ekowati, our guide at the Office of TNGMb, Mr. Wawan, Head of Pakis Resort, along with the team, and Mr. Jumari and the TNGMb Partner Community team who accompanied us during the exploration in Pakis Resort.