A Temporary Sanctuary at Hitokotonushi Shrine Provides Fresh Water for Japan’s Honeybees



All pictures courtesy of Hitokotonushi Shrine

Established greater than 1,200 years in the past in 809, the historic Hitokotonushi Shrine simply exterior of Tokyo turns into a secondary sanctuary for native pollinators every summer season. The on-site water basins, that are designed to hydrate people, bear a miniature makeover full with moss, tiny structure, and climbing surfaces in order that the areas are hospitable to the area’s bee inhabitants, providing a clear supply used for consuming, feeding their offspring, diluting honey, and serving to to stabilize the hive’s temperature. Similar to people and different animals, bees generally wrestle to seek out clear water in sizzling climate, and after they do, they danger drowning if there aren’t sufficient spots to land. In line with the shrine’s Twitter, this yr’s oasis is already buzzing with guests, which you’ll see in the video beneath. (by way of Spoon & Tamago)

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