Artificial Nests Research Articles

Genetic diversity of a recovering European roller (Coracias garrulus) population from Serbia.

The European Roller (Coracias garrulus), a long-distance migratory bird, faced a considerable decline in breeding pairs throughout Europe at the end of the 20th century. Due to conservation efforts and the installation of nesting boxes, the population of the European Roller in Serbia has made a remarkable recovery. Here, we used the variability of nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 10 microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity and structuring, phylogeographic patterns and demographic history of this species using 224 individuals from Serbia. Our results showed moderate level of genetic diversity (HO = 0.392) and a slightly elevated level of inbreeding and homozygosity (FIS = 0.393). Genetic structuring based on microsatellite data indicated three genetic clusters, but without a clear spatial pattern. High haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.987) of the mtDNA control region sequences was detected, and neutrality tests indicated a recent demographic expansion. The phylogeographic analysis, which also included previously published sequences of the mtDNA control region, supported the subdivision into two distinct European and Asian haplogroups (ΦST = 0.712). However, the results of our study showed that a larger number of haplotypes sampled in Serbia are clustered in the Asian haplogroup as compared to previous studies, indicating a historically continuous distribution of this species and possibly a wider distribution of the subspecies Coracias garrulus semenovwi. Our results suggest that the European Roller population in Serbia is genetically stable, with no evidence of recent bottlenecks, and emphasize the importance of artificial nest boxes for promoting and maintaining population dynamics of European Rollers.

Effectiveness of novel artificial seabird nest modules for reducing ambient temperature transfer in a warming climate

AbstractArtificial habitat for cavity nesting birds can provide excellent opportunities for research and conservation efforts but may expose species to the negative impacts of warming ambient temperatures with climate change. Artificial nest boxes have been successfully used to monitor the breeding activity of the Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), a small burrow‐nesting seabird, on Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) since 1971. Mean monthly ambient air temperatures on SEFI during the summer months have increased at an annual rate of roughly 0.03°C from 1971 to 2022, along with an increase in the number of extreme heat days and average maximum temperature, confirming a warming trend at this seabird colony. Given a projected increase in global temperature, we assessed the effectiveness of traditional wooden nest boxes vs. newer ceramic modules at buffering external ambient air temperatures in normal and extreme heat days across a gradient of microclimates on SEFI. Results from fitting linear mixed effects models indicated that, on average, internal temperatures of wooden and ceramic nests (of comparable size and shape) exhibited similar rates of deviation from ambient air temperature of approximately 0.15°C, even during extreme heat events. Ceramic modules did keep nest chambers cooler by approximately 1.2°C than wooden boxes during extreme events at the warmer, drier southern location of the island. Our results can help guide future efforts to design artificial nests that can effectively provide habitat for seabirds as ambient temperatures increase.

Ectoparasitic aspects in Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus breeding colonies in the Po valley (Italy)

Abstract Ectoparasite fauna of Falco vespertinus breeding colonies was investigated in a system of artificial nests in the Po valley (Parma province), Italy, during four subsequent breeding seasons (2019–2022). Conservation actions regarding Falco vespertinus led to a great increase in its presence in the area. This rise was believed to coincide with an increase in the prevalence of hematophagous ectoparasites breeding in the nests, with a potential negative impact on the attractiveness of the breeding site. Ectoparasites collected from the nestlings’ bodies almost entirely belonged to a single species, Diptera Carnus hemapterus, with a quite variable prevalence in different years. Maximum ectoparasite load was consistently linked to younger than two weeks old chicks. Carnus hemapterus may pose a threat to less resilient specimens of Falco vespertinus because it feeds on live tissues, increases metabolic expenditure, and can introduce blood parasites. Nonetheless, this species is part of the ecosystem shared with the falcon and might have a conservational value itself. We propose that higher occurrence of this ectoparasite might be linked to diet parameters, especially the availability of small mammals and the lingering of prey remnants in the nests, as well as to the age of the parasitized nestlings. These findings might have important implications for the conservation of this rare Falco species.

Impacts of livestock grazing on blue‐eared pheasants (Crossoptilon auritum) survival in subalpine forests of Southwest China

AbstractThe degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats, driven largely by anthropogenic activities such as grazing, represent growing concerns in environmental conservation. We examined the impact of grazing activities on the survival of the blue‐eared pheasant Crossoptilon auritum, a ground‐nesting bird endemic to subalpine forests. Using camera‐trapping and artificial nest experiments, we compared two sites in Sichuan, China: Wanglang (high grazing intensity) and Jiuzhaigou (no grazing) national nature reserves. The study, conducted from 2017 to 2021, evaluated habitat suitability changes for these pheasants and examined the impact of grazing on nesting success by conducting a nest predation experiment. The results of our study showed that (1) since the significant increase of free‐ranging livestock post‐2014, the area of most suitable and moderately suitable habitats for blue‐eared pheasants in Wanglang decreased by 14.28% (net loss 15.12 km2); (2) predominant natural predators of the pheasant, such as yellow‐throated martens (Martes flavigula) and leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), were mostly observed to be spatially distant from livestock; (3) the pheasant's nesting failure rate was 2.18 times higher in Wanglang than in Jiuzhaigou; (4) high‐intensity livestock disturbance correlated with decreased food resources for pheasants, yet resulted in an increased abundance of Coleopteran insects. These results illustrate a complex dynamic: Although forest pheasants, such as the blue‐eared pheasant, may initially benefit from the presence of livestock through increased predator refuge and access to specific food resources, they ultimately face greater risks. These include a significant increase in nest failure rates and remarkable habitat loss and degradation. In light of these results, we advocate for strict control and management of grazing activities inside reserves. Additionally, we recommend the implementation of a systematic monitoring program that focuses on the population dynamics and habitat use of endangered pheasants in Southwest China.

The road to recovery: conservation management for the Critically Endangered Bali myna shows signs of success

AbstractThe Bali myna Leucopsar rothschildi has long suffered heavy trapping, leading to its near extinction in the wild and categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Decades of conservation breeding, release of birds and post-release management at Bali Barat National Park have, until recently, failed to secure a viable wild population. However, over the past decade, population increases, expansion into new areas of the National Park and beyond, and successful breeding in both artificial and natural nest sites have occurred. These recent successes are associated with a change in approach by the National Park authority from concentrating efforts on the last refugium of the species (an area protected from trapping but with potentially suboptimal habitat) and towards the human-dominated landscapes around the main road through the National Park. Bali mynas tended to favour areas with extensive shorter grass cover and open canopies and to shun denser woodland. Anthropogenic landscapes such as farmland and plantations presumably mimic the original savannah habitat of the species, but nestbox provision has probably been crucial in these areas in the absence of natural cavities. A potential further factor in the increases in myna numbers and range has been a scheme involving local people in commercial breeding of the species, thereby reducing its market price, and working with communities to reduce trapping pressure. We encourage continuing operation of this management strategy inside the National Park and its further extension into adjacent tourist areas, which appear to have myna-friendly socio-ecological conditions.

Does nest occupancy by birds influence the microbial composition?

Nest microbiota plays a vital role in the breeding and development of birds, which not only provides protection to bird hosts but also negatively affects the host. At present, it is unclear whether the composition of the microbes in the nests is affected by nesting. For this reason, we hung artificial nest boxes to simulate the natural nesting environment and combined 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing technology to further study the differences in microbial composition and richness between used nests and control nests of Japanese tits (Parus minor). The study found that the bacteria in used nests and control nests showed significant differences at the phylum level (p < 0.05). It is also worth noting that the predominant bacteria in used nests were Proteobacteria (51.37%), Actinobacteria (29.72%), Bacteroidetes (6.59%), and Firmicutes (3.82%), while the predominant bacteria in control nests were Proteobacteria (93.70%), Bacteroidetes (2.33%), and Acidobacteria (2.06%). Both used nests and control nests showed similar fungi at the phylum level, which consisted mainly of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, although significant differences were found in their relative abundance between both groups. The results of alpha diversity analysis showed significant differences in bacteria between the two groups and not in fungi. However, the beta diversity analysis showed significant differences between both bacteria and fungi. In summary, our results showed that the used nests had a higher abundance of beneficial microbiota and a lower presence of pathogenic microbiota. Therefore, we speculate that birds will change the characteristics of the nest microbial composition in the process of nest breeding to ensure their smooth reproductive development.

Efficacy of artificial nest shading as a climate change adaptation measure for marine turtles at Ascension Island

AbstractSuccessful embryonic development and offspring sex ratios of marine turtles are determined by thermal conditions experienced during incubation, rendering them potentially vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change. With the rate of projected temperature rises likely to outpace the adaptive capacity of long‐lived species such as marine turtles, there is growing interest in management interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change at nesting grounds. In this study, we experimentally tested the impacts of artificial nest shading on the incubation temperature, hatching success, and predicted offspring sex ratio of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) clutches at Ascension Island. Clutches (n = 97) were sampled from 2 nesting beaches with naturally contrasting thermal environments (one hot; one cool) and either left as in situ controls or relocated to shaded or unshaded hatcheries on their beach of origin. Compared to unshaded experimental clutches, shading reduced mean incubation temperatures and sex‐determining temperatures (i.e., middle third of embryonic development) by 0.5–0.9°C and 0.5–1.2°C respectively, with the reduction being greater on the hotter beach. Shading also differentially affected hatchling output across the 2 sites: on the hot beach, shading significantly improved hatching success by ~23% but had minimal effects on offspring sex ratio; whereas on the cooler beach, shading did not impact hatching success but resulted in ~12% more male offspring. Interestingly, mean incubation temperatures of in situ controls did not differ significantly from shaded clutches, and were significantly cooler than unshaded experimental clutches, suggesting relocation may have negated some of the benefits of shading. Our results demonstrated that artificial shading may be a viable approach for partially offsetting climate change impacts on nesting marine turtles; however, scalability will be a major challenge in achieving conservation objectives at high‐density nesting sites like Ascension Island.

The Effect of Artificial Feeding Treatments on Predatory and Pollinating Ants in Cayenne Pepper Plants

Pests have the potential to reduce the quality and quantity of cayenne pepper production. Pest control is done by utilizing natural enemies, such as ants by being stimulated with artificial food. This study aims to observe the population of dominant species and the effect of various artificial feeding treatments on ants that act as predators or pollinators in chili plants. The study was arranged in a Randomized Group Design (RGD) with 5 treatments, namely P0: Control (no pellet or sugar solution treatment); P1: 10 g artificial feed pellets; P2: 10% sugar solution; P3: 10% sugar solution and 10 g artificial feed pellets; and P4: 10 g artificial feed pellets (put into artificial nest) which was repeated 4 times. Observations were made five times at three-day intervals. Data were analyzed by calculating the species diversity index (H'), species dominance index (C), and ant population. Based on the results, the ant diversity index in this experiment was classified as moderate at 1.17 (H' 1.0-3.0) and the ant dominance index was 0.35 (low: C&lt;0.5). Ant identification revealed four species from three sub-families: Myrmicinae, Dolichodorinae, and Formicinae, namely Pheidole sp., Monomorium sp., Tapinoma sp., and Paratrechina sp. While species that have the potential as predators or pollinators on chili plants are Tapinoma sp.. Artificial feeding with treatment P3 (10 g artificial feed and 10% sugar solution) can have an effect and increase the population of Tapinoma sp. ants with an average of 81.95 heads on chili plants.

Study on the field propagation of Pteromalus sanjiangyuanicus Yang and its biological control of Gynaephora qinghaiensis

Gynaephora qinghaiensis is an important pest that damages alpine meadow vegetation in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) alpine pastoral areas. Pteromalus sanjiangyuanicus Yang is a parasitic natural enemy of pupal G. qinghaiensis. For biological control of G. qinghaiensis, local materials and G. qinghaiensis were used for P. sanjiangyuanicus propagation. Under natural field conditions, P. sanjiangyuanicus were propagated in artificial nests. Propagated P. sanjiangyuanicus were then released into the experimental area, where the G. qinghaiensis density was high, and the biological control effect was evaluated. In the propagation test plot (D), the average P. sanjiangyuanicus parasitism rate was 70.3% (46.3–87.0%). The P. sanjiangyuanicus parasitism rate in the experimental area was significantly higher than that in the control area, and the propagation effect was good. The P. sanjiangyuanicus parasitism rates in the biological control plots (A, B, and C) increased yearly from 2016 to 2019, indicating that the P. sanjiangyuanicus population size in the biological control area increased yearly and that the parasitoid population size effectively increased. From 2016 to 2019, the G. qinghaiensis population decline rates in the biological control plots (A, B and C) were 71.1%, 59.3% and 76.4%, respectively (average 68.9%). The control effects on G. qinghaiensis were 80.9%, 69.9% and 80.3%, respectively (average 77.0%). The results showed that P. sanjiangyuanicus was effective in controlling G. qinghaiensis. This study provides a reference for the large-scale propagation of P. sanjiangyuanicus and the further promotion and application of G. qinghaiensis biological control.

Banka-Siphon Attached Eden-Canal of Damodar May be Develop as ‘Biodiversity-Biomedicines-Hub’ Improving World Policy

The oldest habitat of the ‘Damodar-River-Based-Kanchannagar’; the Banka-Siphon-Dam (BSD) of Banka River (BR) attached Eden Canal (EC) of Damodar River (DR), covering a 3-5 sq km area, enriched different flora- and faunal diversity with agricultural fields and dense vegetation forty-five years ago. But it was decreasing gradually up to December 2019 due to massive visitors or tourists, picnic parties with large sound systems, irregular fishing, killing wild animals, cutting the trees, disturbing and catching different animals including migratory birds, unethical human behaviors, and urbanization nearby. The Covid-lockdowns also impacted the ecosystem during the pandemic coronavirus-disease (COVID-19), it has faced social and economic challenges among the communities, and health systems-“the invisible patients”, due to hampering truism and education, and suspicious killing or catch or death of grey-colored water monitor lizards, fishing cats, civet cats, and barn owls, and even migratory birds also. And it has lost the ecological balance of water, land and vegetation (micro bio-climate) with an increased viper snake, rodent population, etc. And adversely affect the environment (Water, Sanitation and Ecology) and societal problems. To overcome, it is therefore, augments that propagation of the artificial nests, awareness, plantation of different fruits plants, and cultivations would be beneficial to do away with the rodent menace largely, and inhibit the damage and economic losses, without putting any severe implications on the sustainability of pisciculture-fishery agro-ecosystems of the “Banka-Siphon Eden-Canal of Damodar May be Develop as ‘Biodiversity-Biomedicines-Hub’ Improving World Policy”. And the perfect ecological balance of water, land and vegetation may develop any ‘Future-Socioeconomically-Ecological-Tourist-Hub’.

Cavity‐nesting birds are limited by nesting habitat in Neotropical agricultural landscapes

AbstractMost studies comparing biodiversity between natural and human‐modified landscapes focus on patterns in species occurrence or abundance, but do not consider how different habitat types meet species' breeding requirements. Organisms that use or nest in tree cavities may be especially threatened by habitat conversion due to the loss of their nesting sites. Although cavity‐nesting bird diversity is highest in the tropics, little is known about how tropical birds use cavities, how agriculture affects their reproductive biology, and how effective nest boxes could be as a conservation strategy in tropical agriculture. Here, we explored how habitat conversion from tropical forests to pasture affects the abundance, nesting habitat availability, and nest success of cavity‐nesting birds in Northwest Ecuador. We conducted bird surveys and measured natural cavity availability and use in forest and agriculture. We also added artificial nest boxes to forest and agriculture to see whether cavity limitation in agriculture would elicit higher use of artificial nest boxes. We found evidence of cavity limitation in agriculture—there were many more natural cavities in forest than in agriculture, as well as more avian use of nest boxes placed in agriculture as compared to forest. Our results suggest that it is important to retain remnant trees in tropical agriculture to provide critical nesting habitat for birds. In addition, adding nest boxes to tropical agricultural systems could be a good conservation strategy for certain species, including insectivores that could provide pest‐control services to farmers.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Assessing the influence of raptors on grape-eating birds in a Mediterranean vineyard

Several bird species may cause serious damage to grape production. The ability of raptors as biological control agents of grape-eating birds is poorly understood and under-used. We installed artificial nests and perches to encourage the presence and activity of raptors in vineyards located in central Spain and explored their effectiveness to reduce damage to grapes. We characterized the raptor community by field surveys and assessment of natural breeding sites, evaluated the abundance of grape-eating birds, and sampled damage to grape production for three consecutive years. Raptor community in the study area was diverse (13 species). Breeding of ornitophagous species such as Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus and Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis was confirmed in the forest patches. We identified 10 grape-eating bird species, with Spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) being the most abundant. Distance from the edges between vineyards and natural and semi-natural woody vegetation affected damage to grapes, with more damage close to the edges. The installed elements did not significantly reduce damage to grapes. Woody vegetation in and around the vineyards may reduce the success of the installed elements by providing shelter to grape-eating birds and suitable sites for raptor breeding and perching. Other variables such as vine orientation, land-cover, and distance to raptor nests did not affect damage to grapes. To promote the conservation of raptors and their regulating services in this Mediterranean agroforestry system, more research is needed to find methods to increase the presence of raptors in vineyards and to manage the woody shelters used by grape-eating birds around crops.

Number of White Stork Ciconia ciconia Nests in Latvia Between 1934 and 2014

Abstract The article summarises the results obtained during the 7th International White Stork Census 2014 in Latvia as well as analyses of changes since 1934. More than 2000 participants were involved in the census. About 14,000 pairs of white storks (WS) were found nesting in Latvia in 2014, i.e. about 52% more than in 1934, and about 25% more than in 1994 and 2004. The breeding density was one of the highest in the breeding area — on average, 21.7 occupied nests/100 km2 territory and 60.8 nests/100 km2 agricultural lands. The proportion of occupied nests in 2014 was 90.1%, and the proportion of successful ones — 95.7%. The average number of raised chicks decreased from 2.7 in occupied nests and 2.8 in successful nests in 1934 to 2.1 and 2.4 in 2014, correspondingly. The main reasons for this decrease were deterioration of feeding conditions (amount and availability of food, as well as the regionally growing use of agricultural chemicals). Since 1934, considerable changes in WS nest location and human aid in their construction have been observed. Eighty years ago, an absolute majority of nests (about 80%) were built with human aid (artificial nest support) on trees; whereas in 2014, only 3.5% such nests were registered. Most nests (64.8%) in 2014 were built on electric poles without artificial support. According to observations after 2014, the growth of the breeding population of WS in Latvia has come to an end, and even a slight regional decrease has been observed. Nevertheless, at present, there are no reasons to consider the local breeding population of the WS as being endangered and vanishing.

Hedgerows interact with forests to shape the abundance of mesopredators and their predation rate on eggs in farmland landscapes

Nest predation is the main cause of reproductive failure, particularly in ground-nesting birds on farmlands. Understanding the links between nest predation and habitat change can help design effective management schemes to constrain the negative impact of predation pressure on birds. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between landscape attributes, predator distribution, and nest predation are still unclear. Here, we use an experimental approach to examine the effects of distance to the hedgerow as well as hedgerow and forest densities on the abundance of major mesopredators of ground nests of our study area (i.e., corvids) and on the predation rate of artificial ground nests (n = 2576). We found evidence that landscape configuration influenced predation patterns differently depending on the predator species. Nest predation by corvids was more likely in homogeneous and open agricultural landscapes with a low density of forest and hedgerows, whereas predation by other predators was more likely close to hedgerows. Nest predation by corvids and the abundance of corvids also tended to be lower in landscapes dominated by grasslands. Other variables such as road density and distance to human settlements had contrasted effects on the likelihood of a nest being depredated by corvids, i.e., no effect with proximity to human settlements and decreasing trend with road density. Altogether, our results suggest that landscape features interact with mesopredator distribution and their predation rates of ground nests. Therefore, from a conservation and management perspective, a heterogeneous agricultural landscape that includes a mixture of crops associated with patches of forests, hedgerows, and grasslands offering alternative food to generalist predators should contribute to reducing ground-nesting bird predation.

Implementation of the QCDMSE Strategy in the Community Empowerment Program to Utilize the Sulawesi Masked Owls as a Natural Predator for Rodents

Rodent pest is known for its detrimental impact on agriculture where it is responsible for for more than 10% of crop loss across worldwide. Although a number of conventional rodent-control methods such as electric current, fumigation, trapping and rodenticide are applied, however there are growing concerns related to their effectiveness and safety concerns. Joint Operating Body Pertamina – Medco E&amp;P Tomori Sulawesi (JOB Tomori) initiated community development program to address this issue by utilizing Sulawesi Masked Owl as agricultural rodent control. Starting from 2017, at approximately 84 artificial nest boxes and 175 perch pillars were installed in paddy fields located in 3 subdistrict in Banggai, Central Sulawesi. Here we present a novel approach of using QCDSME strategy in the context of the community empowerement program. The advantages, limitations, lesson learned and further recommendation of the QCDSME approach are also discussed in this paper.

Hygiene of maintenance of song and decorative birds

The article presents data on the study of modern methods of keeping song and ornamental birds at home. Creation of optimal microclimate parameters for birds based on their families and species. Creating increased attention to acquainting people with the world of song and ornamental birds and ways to attract them through the thoughtful placement of artificial nests in apartments, courtyard parks and gardens, competent feeding of birds in different seasons of the year in the general context with environmental issues in large metropolitan areas. Keeping and breeding song and ornamental birds at home makes it possible to preserve many species, and with proper care and feeding, birds live in captivity for a long time and breed well.

Blue orchard bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) origin and orchard growing region affect female retention at artificial nest sites in cherry orchards.

The blue orchard bee, Osmia lignaria Say (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is a solitary, cavity-nesting species used for pollinating spring blooming crops. Commercial stocks are sourced from a few locations in the western United States but are sold across the country. However, the existence of local adaptations of these bees is unknown, such as the propensity to nest in nearby provided materials or to disperse broadly beyond release sites. In spring 2019, California- and Utah-sourced blue orchard bees were introduced into cherry orchards in both source and reciprocal states. Nest boxes were placed near (within 78 m) and far (500 m-1 km) from central bee release points. Paint-marked bees were released when floral resources were available. Observations of marked bees at nest boxes were used to evaluate female retention and dispersal pattern. Nesting bee counts in March-blooming California orchards revealed a significant difference in female retention by population source; over twice as many UT bees established nests than did CA bees. Few females were found at far nest sites. In May-blooming Utah orchards, counts of CA and UT bees were similar at near and far nest sites; neither female retention nor dispersal was significantly affected by bee origin. It is concerning that CA females were less likely to be retained in California orchards because the demand for commercial pollination is high for early-blooming California almond and cherry. Our results highlight the need to understand potential consequences of bee origin and their management on pollinator performance and reproduction in target crops.

Oribatid Mites (Oribatida) Associated with Nests of Hollow-Nesting Birds, on the Example of a Model Species, the European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), in the Taiga Forests of the European North-East of Russia

The authors have obtained original material on the fauna and population structure of oribatid mites inhabiting nests of the European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca, Passeriformes, hollow-nesting bird) on the territory of the taiga zone of the European North-East of Russia. Long-term research and the collection of nests were carried out in the green zone of Syktyvkar in 2017–2022. Observations were made for artificial nests (hollows) of a box type with a bottom area of 100 cm2. The material of the tray was collected completely. In 135 studied nests of Pied Flycatchers, 1762 specimens were found and identified for 22 species of oribatid mites from 19 genera and 16 families. In the nests of the Pied Flycatcher, a complex of species was found that is known as an arboricolous species for this region; these are Oribatula (Zygoribatula) propinqua, Oribatula (Z.) exilis, Trichoribates (T.) berlesei, and Ameronothrus oblongus. We suggested that arboricolous species, as well as eurytopic species, can actively inhabit bird nests. Highly numerous in our collections were representatives of the Oribatulidae and Scheloribatidae families; they are Oribatula (Z.) propinqua, Oribatula (Z.) exilis, Oribatula (O.) tibialis, and Scheloribates laevigatus. Epigeic species are dominated by the species number. The fauna of oribatid mites mainly included widespread Holarctic species (54.54%).

Uninvited Guests: Identifying Parasites and Other Nest Associates of Solitary Bees and Wasps Using Artificial Nest Sites in North Central Florida

Uninvited Guests: Identifying Parasites and Other Nest Associates of Solitary Bees and Wasps Using Artificial Nest Sites in North Central Florida

Ecology and distribution of the European Roller &lt;i&gt;Coracias garrulus&lt;/i&gt; in a recently recolonized area of Northern Italy

This study reports the first data on the ecology and distribution patterns of a population of Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus breeding in the province of Alessandria in northwestern Italy. The research was conducted between 2017 and 2021. 13 pairs were found, 12 of which were confirmed to be breeding. The species primarily chose to nest in natural cavities in White poplar Populus alba, with nesting observed to a lesser extent in Black poplar Populus nigra, Turkey Oak Quercus cerris and in one case sandy river banks. The home range of each pair is mostly within pluriannual stable meadows and arable crops; on average it extends over 0,92 km2 with values that seems to oscillate according to the degree of fragmentation and isolation of patches of stable meadows: this can be explained by the lower availability of arthropods (consisting mostly of Orthoptera) found in mosaics of alternating meadows interspersed with annual crops. In such conditions, a low density of pairs was observed, along with an increase in territorial boundaries and greater distance between the nests. In the sectors characterised by large, multi-annual stable meadows, with more diverse and abundant entomofauna, supporting a higher number of breeding pairs, a significant contraction of home ranges is observed, with an increased concentration of nesting sites, and higher intraspecific tolerance. Between 2019 and 2021 a total of 17 artificial nest boxes were installed, 3 of which have been successfully occupied. Given the continuous anthropogenic transformation these territories are regularly facing, sometimes subtracting potential nesting or feeding sites due to crop rotation, coppicing, ex-novo construction of ground solar panel systems on agricultural land, etc., in order to protect and conserve this population of European Roller, it is desirable to put in place a greater number of artificial nest structures together with monitoring aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the territory.