Use of Artificial Nests and Feeders by Birds and Social Insects in Conservation Areas

Bird biodiversity faces persistent threats from habitat loss, wildlife trafficking, and exotic species. Conservation strategies such as artificial nests and supplementary feeders are widely implemented to support managed populations. However, these structures may also facilitate resource overlap among taxa. We inspected artificial and natural nests and feeding stations in conservation areas to document patterns of use by birds, bees, and social wasps, and conducted a Hymenoptera survey to compare artificial‐structure occupants with local diversity. Nest occupancy differed by nest type and height, with wasps were more commonly recorded in lower polyvinyl chloride nests, while birds and bees occupied wooden and natural cavities at similar heights. At feeders, birds and wasps frequently cooccurred without displacement, whereas the exotic honeybee Apis mellifera consistently displaced birds upon arrival. Of the 46 Hymenoptera species recorded in the area, only six used artificial structures. We also documented a fatal attack by A. mellifera on Ara ararauna . These findings highlight how artificial structures are differentially used by taxa and underscore the importance of monitoring their implementation in conservation contexts.