In addition to the beneficial arthropods (insects, spiders and mites) that live in cotton growing areas, birds and bats also inhabit these areas and make a significant contribution to pest management. These animals live in areas of native vegetation, but forage for insects within and over the canopy of crops.
- Birds and bats can disturb moth feeding and mating activities and can consume up to 50% of pests in a crop.
- Birds and bats need suitable habitat so that they can persist in the landscape and contribute to pest management.
- Big old trees with hollows provide habitat for a range of native animals including bats and birds.
> Go to the Cotton CRC’s ‘Natures Workforce Fact Series Issue 5’ to assist in determining what constitutes healthy native vegetation.
> Read the ‘Birds on Cotton Farms’ guide to learn more about the birds occupying the farm and what their habitat preferences are.
> Protect big old trees with hollows, dead and living.
> Install bat boxes where old trees with hollows are limited.
> Revegetate or restore areas of native vegetation on farm to encourage birds and bats.
> Consider the effects of spraying at dawn and dusk when birds and bats are most active and vulnerable.
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Cotton grower James Thomas has built bat boxes to encourage insectivorous bats onto his farm and integrate them into pest management strategies at “Bloomfield".Photo: G Roth |
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Nightbirds such as the Tawny Frogmouth and nightjars feed on Helicoverpa moths as they are also active at night. Photo: Namoi CMA
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Protect big old trees with hollows as they provide habitat for microbats. Photo: G. Roth |
