We just published a feature on the honey hunters of Nepal. These hunters descend hundreds of meters down sheer cliffs using hand-woven ropes to harvest nests that can weigh over 60kg. It’s not just about the honey (which can be psychoactive/medicinal)—it’s about a cultural relationship with the cliffside ecosystem.
The photos and the stories of the risk involved are incredible, but what really stood out to me is that they view the bees as partners, not just a resource. If they take too much, the ecosystem collapses. Vital to these is managing the balance well, which is a skill that seems to be well in effect with the honey hunters.
From the article:
Honey hunting is not an ordinary practice in Nepal. The hunters typically descend hundreds of meters down the cliff faces using ropes and bamboo ladders. These bees are not typical honeybees. The Himalayan giant honeybee (Apis laboriosa) is a species that is described by its size, strength, and huge nests, which can contain over 60 kilograms of honey.
It takes unbelievable ability and patience. Hunters should learn when to climb, how to smoke the bees to get them to calm down, and how to harvest without killing the nest. A misstep can be fatal.
However, in addition to the excitement and the risk, honey hunting also teaches to appreciate nature more. Hunters understand when to hunt, when to be silent, and when to be on the alert. Over-harvesting can destroy a colony, leaving the bees vulnerable to predators and the surrounding ecosystem. This is the first conservation lesson; people must not take what nature can offer without endangering it.
Check out the full feature here! :
conservationmag.org/en/environment/beyon...ey-hunting-tradition
I’m curious: For those who have traveled in the Himalayas or similar regions, or if you have a general interest in the matter, have you witnessed harvests like this firsthand? If so, what about these harvestings piqued your curiosity more? Was it technique? Was it an interest in results? I look forward to hearing your perspectives!
