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Problem, Prospects and Smart Management of Predatory Birds in Agriculture: A Review
Abstract
Birds are an integral part of biodiversity and ecosystems. However, they can still cause significant economic damage to crops, especially in standing crops such as maize, sunflower, wheat, sorghum, barley, rice, broad beans, and legumes, as well as fruits like guava and grapes. Farmers incur significant annual losses in terms of production and economic return due to bird depredation. Some of the birds causing significant damage to crops are the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), the baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), the parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and the peafowl (Pavo cristatus). This article explores the impact of bird depredation on agriculture and synthesizes the literature on the extent of crop damage caused by various bird species along with different conventional control methods as well as recent technological advancements. This article presents various traditional and modern management strategies, along with the challenges associated with these methods. Conventional techniques such as auditory-visual deterrents, chemical repellents, Physical barriers, habitat modification, and lethal measures are studied, and their efficacy and limitations are reviewed. The article also explains the high potential of the Internet of Things, including smart scarecrows and ultrasonic repellers for bird management. A clear understanding of the behavior and patterns of crop damage by birds is necessary to develop cost-effective and practical means for bird management. This article aims to enhance knowledge sharing among farmers, researchers, and policymakers in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies for reducing bird damage in agriculture.
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DOI: 10.33687/ijae013.02.5751
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