Farmers are adopting a new tactic to protect their crops: the use of birds of prey. Trained falcons are used to disperse pigeons, cockatiels and other avian species that generate significant financial losses in crops such as corn and sunflower.
Called biological control by falconry, this approach uses the natural predatory behavior of birds to ward off agricultural pests. The mere appearance of falcons encourages groups of birds to leave cultivation areas, minimizing damage without resorting to chemical substances or more invasive actions.
Adherence to this methodology has gained strength, especially given the increase in damage caused by pigeons and cockatiels in rural areas of Argentina. In certain locations, producers reported losses of up to 40% of their harvests, with the greatest impact on sunflower and corn crops.
Professionals in the sector emphasize that biological control appears as an ecologically viable solution, as it aims to restore the balance of nature without causing significant damage to the environment. In addition to protecting crops, this technique can be applied to silos, warehouses and other agricultural facilities targeted by these birds.
The implementation of this strategy is progressing in a context of growing concern about the excessive number of pigeons and cockatiels in certain regions of Argentina. Farmers and agribusiness associations have demanded that authorities expand instruments for managing and controlling these species, seen as responsible for increasing crop losses.
The forecast is that programs that employ natural predators will gain greater prominence in the coming years, intensifying the fight against pests in an effective and environmentally responsible manner.
