Encouraging native predators of invasive yellow-legged hornets: breeding habitat preferences of European honey buzzards in exotic Eucalyptus plantations.

backgroundWhile natural forests have decreased globally, forest plantations have expanded highlighting the need for studies on plantations' capacity to sustain biodiversity and provide ecosystem services within agroforestry mosaics. This study examined the breeding habitat preferences of European honey buzzards Pernis apivorus (a native predator of the invasive yellow-legged hornet) and their relationship with reproductive performance in exotic Eucalyptus plantations in southwestern Europe. We expected better reproductive performance in preferred habitats.

resultsBreeding habitats (n = 57 nesting locations) and randomly selected control points (n = 77) were compared across spatial scales. We analyzed the relative importance of vegetation and topographic features, intraspecific territorial behavior, and interspecific interactions within the diurnal raptor guild. Two complementary approaches were employed: binomial generalized linear models for predictive habitat models, and random forest classification models to assess the relative importance of habitat factors. We examined the relationship between habitat preferences and reproductive performance based on laying phenology and fledgling success. Vegetation and topography were the most influential factors affecting habitat preferences, especially around nests (a 200 m-radius circle). Honey-buzzards preferred large nest trees within forest patches exhibiting high structural complexity and maturity. Preferred habitats were negatively associated with fledgling success, and no significant relationship was detected with laying phenology.

conclusionsOur results suggest that Eucalyptus plantations can offer suitable breeding habitats for honey-buzzards if managed appropriately. This finding is crucial for guiding forest management decisions aimed at enhancing high-quality breeding habitats for honey-buzzards and encouraging their regulatory services against yellow-legged hornets. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.