The conflict between avian predators and domestic honey bees: a case study of European bee-eater (Merops apiaster L.) preying on the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in Cyprus

Abstract

Bee-eaters are protected birds due to their contribution to the ecosystem, but at the same time, they inflict damages on bees which cause conflicts with beekeepers. This research aimed to study the impact of bee-eaters on the foraging activity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and the effectiveness of the applied control measures, proposing a solution for the coexistence of birds and bees. We discouraged bee-eaters by using different methods and testing their efficacy. The presence of bee-eaters around the apiary caused the reduction of honey bee foraging activity along with effects on brood rearing and temperature regulation of the hive. The so-far proposed measures to prevent bee-eaters' attacks in the apiaries were tested and found to have limited effect. Considering the role of honey bees in pollination and bee-eaters in the insect-bird food chains, we propose a harmonious coexistence of bees and birds. This strategy has been adopted by the beekeepers of Cyprus, who were committed to pursuing methods of limited protection of bees from the predatory birds, ensuring the survival of both components.

Keywords:

• Bee-eaters
• bee behaviour
• preventive techniques

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Neophytou Georgios for his valuable suggestions and the beekeeper Andreas Glaukou for his help with the field experiments. We would also like to thank Will Hunt for providing language help.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was financially supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus.