Amazonian Stingless Bees Granted Legal Rights in Peru

Amazonian stingless bees have become the first insect species globally to be granted legal rights, after two municipalities in Peru — Satipo and Nauta — passed a landmark ordinance in December 2025.

Backed by National Recognition
The municipal decision follows a 2024 national law passed by the Peruvian government recognising stingless bees as native species, paving the way for stronger local-level conservation measures.

Ancient Pollinators Under Threat
Stingless bees are the oldest known bee species, having sustained tropical ecosystems for nearly 80 million years, dating back to the age of dinosaurs. Despite their ecological importance, they face mounting threats from climate change, forest fires and deforestation.

Ecological Significance
Found mainly in tropical regions, stingless bees either lack stingers or possess harmless ones. Of the nearly 500 known species worldwide, about half live in the Amazon, with over 170 species in Peru alone.
They are crucial pollinators, responsible for pollinating over 80% of Amazonian flora, including economically important crops such as cacao, coffee and avocados.

Cultural Importance for Indigenous Communities
Stingless bees hold deep cultural value for Indigenous groups such as the Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria peoples, who rely on them for traditional practices, food systems and livelihoods.

Deforestation the Biggest Threat
The primary threat to stingless bees is deforestation, driven by illegal logging, agricultural expansion and cattle grazing, which has led to large-scale habitat loss across the Amazon.