Cold Snap Hits Beehives in José María Morelos, Threatens Honey Production

José María Morelos, Mexico — Recent cold weather has begun affecting bee populations in the region, causing hive losses that could increase if low temperatures persist, according to local beekeepers.

Alfonso Aban Tziu, a beekeeper and subdelegate of Pozo Pirata, said current estimates show up to 10% of hives have been lost.

“The cold forces us to give a lot of food to the bees, otherwise they leave,” explained Aban Tziu, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing apiary feeding during this critical season.

On average, each hive requires up to three kilograms of sugar per week, representing approximately 1,500 kilograms weekly for the 500 apiaries in the ejido.

The subdelegate also warned about the lack of natural resources for pollination: “Since there are no projects in the ejidos and the forest is protected, there isn’t much tahonal; it only remains along the edges of roads,” he said, referring to the decrease in tahonal flowers that limits honey production.

Aban Tziu called on authorities to organize feeding support, which could include subsidies for up to 50% of the necessary sugar, to protect hives and ensure local production.

“The most urgent need now is feeding the bees; without it, losses could increase,” he concluded.