The mighty elephant is scared of honeybees

23.11.11

Young research biologist wins UNEP/CMS award

For the third successive time, Lufthansa has sponsored the UNEP/CMS Thesis Award. The 10,000-euro research prize was presented to British biologist Dr. Lucy E. King for her thesis entitled “The interaction between the African elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) and the African honeybee (Apis mellifera scutelleta) and its possible application as an elephant deterrent”. The award ceremony was held in Bergen, Norway on 23 November.

Elephant herds migrate over large distances. In the process, fertile fields are often destroyed and human settlements damaged. Dr. King’s research model demonstrates how crop damage caused by elephants could be reduced. Her work, which is based on the premise that elephants are scared of being stung by bees, shows how the targeted use of bees could prevent conflicts between humans and elephants.

The international UNEP/CMS Thesis Award on Migratory Species Conservation is conferred every three years in order to raise awareness of the plight of migratory animals and to highlight concrete measures to protect them. The first award went to American scientist Dr. Zeb Hogan for work on the Mekong giant catfish. The second award was presented to biologist Dr. Samantha Petersen of South Africa in recognition of her work on the ecological impact of bycatch in deep-sea fishing.

Lufthansa has a long tradition of environmental sponsorship. For many years now, the Group has supported the work of German and international environmental and nature conservation organisations as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining biodiversity and preserving unique natural landscapes.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Communications Lufthansa Group

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