Natural predation: a viable option for controlling vertebrate pest in Malaysia

Hafidzi Mohd Noor, . Natural predation: a viable option for controlling vertebrate pest in Malaysia. pp. 161-172. ISSN 0126-575X

Until recently chemical control has been the main choice in dealing with rat infestation in Malaysia. Chemical control whilst generally claimed as effective has its own setback on the pest itself on non-target animals and on the environment as a whole. The concept of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) calls for a more environmentally benign approach to the management of injurious animals. One of the option lies in the potential of existing natural predation. The effectiveness of predators in affecting control can be amplified and enhanced to the desired level by manipulating predator numbers. This can be achieved through th provisions of breeding facilities and other recruitment programmes. The recent success of the natural propagation of barn owl in several oil palm plantations indicate the feasibility of maintaining natural predators or the purpose of pest control. The natural 'rearing' of barn owls has proven to be more sustainable system than reliance on exotic or introduced predators. The barn owl's success also points to the importance of unravellling the ecological principles that influence the existing predator-prey relationship in an agro-ecosystem. The role of each potential predator need to be gauged before its impact on prey population can be quantified. Meanwhile every effort must be taken to encourage the presence of natural predators. The practises of indiscriminate control if ever applied must be reviewed

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Abstract

Until recently chemical control has been the main choice in dealing with rat infestation in Malaysia. Chemical control whilst generally claimed as effective has its own setback on the pest itself on non-target animals and on the environment as a whole. The concept of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) calls for a more environmentally benign approach to the management of injurious animals. One of the option lies in the potential of existing natural predation. The effectiveness of predators in affecting control can be amplified and enhanced to the desired level by manipulating predator numbers. This can be achieved through th provisions of breeding facilities and other recruitment programmes. The recent success of the natural propagation of barn owl in several oil palm plantations indicate the feasibility of maintaining natural predators or the purpose of pest control. The natural 'rearing' of barn owls has proven to be more sustainable system than reliance on exotic or introduced predators. The barn owl's success also points to the importance of unravellling the ecological principles that influence the existing predator-prey relationship in an agro-ecosystem. The role of each potential predator need to be gauged before its impact on prey population can be quantified. Meanwhile every effort must be taken to encourage the presence of natural predators. The practises of indiscriminate control if ever applied must be reviewed

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Summary (En)
AGROVOC Term:	ELAEIS GUINEENSIS
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL DE ROEDORES
AGROVOC Term:	LECHUZA
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA
AGROVOC Term:	ENEMIGOS NATURALES
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:56
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/20826

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