Elephants regularly trample crops and pastures on their migration routes. In Kenya, a nine-year study has shown that fences fitted with beehives are a very effective way of keeping the pachyderms at bay; they also enable honey to be harvested, providing an additional source of income.
“Before, we really hated elephants,” admits Charity Mwangome, taking a break in the shade of a baobab tree. But the bees, buzzing in the background, have helped to soften her animosity.
Elephants have often wiped out months of work on her farmland, located between two parts of Tsavo National Park. Adored by tourists – who contribute around 10% of Kenya’s GDP – they are hated by most farmers, who represent a key sector of the economy….
Enclosures lined with beehives now protect several local plots, including Charity’s. In 86% of cases, elephants avoid farms where these bees live, according to a study published last month. The dull roar of 70,000 bees scares off a six-ton elephant.
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From A Blessing for Bees, by Pierre Pradervand
“I bless us in our ability to develop a relationship of deep caring, unconditional love and authentic reverence towards our sisters the bees and all creation.”
