Authors
Xavier Puig-Montserrat, Ignasi Torre, Adrià López-Baucells, Emilio Guerrieri, Maurilia M Monti, Ruth Ràfols-García, Xavier Ferrer, David Gisbert, Carles Flaquer
Publication date
2015/5
Journal
Mammalian Biology
Volume
80
Issue
3
Pages
237-245
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Description
Pest control through integrated pest management systems stands as a very convenient sustainable hazard-free alternative to pesticides, which are a growing global concern if overused. The ability of the soprano pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) to control the rice borer moth (Chilo supressalis), which constitutes a major pest of rice around the world, was studied in the Ebre Delta, Northeastern Iberia. Evidence was found on the ability of this particular bat species to control borer infestations: (a) the moth was consumed during at least the last two peaks of the moth activity, when most crop damage is done; (b) the activity of bats significantly increased with moth abundance in the rice paddies; (c) the pest levels have declined in the study area (Buda Island, Eastern Ebre Delta) after the deployment of bat boxes and their subsequent occupation by soprano pipistrelles. The value of the ecosystem service …
Total citations
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