Predatory Characteristics of the Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Against Pest-Forming Insects: Use of N. meleagris Against the Locust Dociostaurus maroccanus
摘要
Locust infestations (Dociostaurus maroccanus) have been constant in the history of the Iberian Peninsula since prehistoric times because they are an essential part of some of its ecosystems. The most extensive of these plagues occur in Extremadura (Spain)—in the La Serena and Llanos regions—where, in 2011, the pest occupied an area of 400,000 ha. Industrially synthesised insecticides are necessary for its control. With the intention of reducing this dependence through biological methods, research projects were developed to test the effectiveness of birds as locust predators, whose carcasses could then be used by mankind for food. Previous studies to select the most suitable species indicated the use of Numida meleagris (guinea fowl). The research projects carried out proved the effectiveness of this bird as a predator and the feasibility of its management against the locust pest—adapted to the ecosystem, hardy, an efficient predator, easy to handle, and an ontogeny that aligns with that of the insect— as well as the excellence of the guinea fowl carcasses produced. This chapter describes the procedures developed in the field and in the laboratory.