Meliponiculture and Conservation of Scaptotrigona depilis in the Caatinga

Abstract

The Brazilian Semi-arid region shelters a biodiversity highly adapted to extreme climatic conditions, a scenario where native stingless bees play a vital ecological role. Among them, the "abelha-canudo" (Scaptotrigona depilis) stands out for its ecological relevance and socioeconomic potential in regional meliponiculture. To conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature on S. depilis in the Brazilian Semi-arid region, mapping the profile of publications, main thematic axes, and knowledge gaps. Methodology: A systematic search was performed based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO databases, with no time restriction, using combined descriptors in English and Portuguese.Twenty-two eligible articles were selected. The SciELO database concentrated the highest volume of publications (12 studies), reflecting the regional nature of the research. Geographically, Rio Grande do Norte (31,8%) and Ceará (22,7%) were the states with the highest concentration of research hubs. The predominant thematic axis was Physical-Chemistry and Bioprospecção (8 studies), highlighting the high flavonoid content and antimicrobial action of the propolis. A shortage of research focused on Physiology and Climatology was observed (only 3 studies).The literature demonstrates the high resilience and biotechnological potential of the species. However, the scarcity of data regarding ecological thresholds and the long-term impacts of climate change and deforestation in the Caatinga forms a critical gap that threatens the sustainability of meliponiculture and the conservation of this essential pollinator.