Landscape influences bat suppression of pine processionary moth: Implications for pest management
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Bats provide important ecosystem services, particularly in agriculture, yet integrating bat management into conservation plans remains challenging. Some landscape features considerably influence bat presence, diversity, and ecosystem service provision. Understanding the relationship between landscape structure, composition, pest suppression, and ecosystem services is crucial. We modelled areas where bats most effectively suppress pine processionary moths (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), considering landscape characteristics to predict ecosystem services and optimise pest suppression in Serra da Estrela, Portugal. Faecal samples collected during fieldwork were analysed for pine processionary moth presence in bat diets. Lasso regression assessed spatial landscape variables to create an "optimal landscape" for predation. Landscape structure and composition influenced pest suppression differently, with the greatest impact within a 5000-m buffer. "Riparian edge" and "tree cover density" were key habitat structure variables supporting bat navigation and access to hunting areas, while "other forest" and "vineyard/orchard" areas were important composition variables. Optimising landscape composition involves incorporating diverse forest within agroforestry systems to enhance pest suppression by creating habitats reflecting bats' foraging preferences. We recommend strategies focusing on riparian edge conservation, selective canopy reduction, and promoting diverse forest compositions. These strategies aim to create mosaic landscapes balancing land uses, fostering optimal conditions for bat foraging. Our study shows edges provide the highest rates of bats-pine processionary moth interactions. However, caution is needed to avoid excessive fragmentation, which may reduce habitat suitability and increase pest presence before effective bat predation. A balanced approach, focusing on edge creation without over-fragmenting the landscape, is key to promoting sustainable pest management.
Authors: A.M. Augusto, S. Pereira, S. Rodrigues, F. Marques, O. Aizpurua, A. Alberdi, G. Jones, O. Razgour, T.A. Marques, D. Russo, H. Rebelo
Institutions: University of Lisbon, Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Regia-Douro Park, University of Copenhagen, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, University of St Andrews, University of Naples Federico II
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,850
OpenAlex ID: W4405667235