Abstract:
A decline in many African raptor populations may contribute to loss of ecosystem services such
as pest control. The Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) stands out as an exception,
experiencing range expansions due to its proclivity for agricultural landscapes. We surveyed
roads throughout Swaziland agroecosystems for Black-shouldered Kites and looked at habitat
selection in a used versus available framework. We found that kites selected for savannahs and
tall herbaceous vegetation but did not show preferences for or against land use types. We also
found a significant relationship with kite presence and low tree densities in the immediate
vicinity of a perch site. Singles, pairs and fledgling kites were observed in agricultural landscape,
suggesting that although they are not selecting for these areas in proportion to its availability,
they are foraging in it. This may be a boon for farmers who implement ecologically based rodent
management programs.
