Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of natural habitat patches on pest control efficacy within a large-scale coconut plantation in Ivory Coast.

Using soundscape analysis and artificial prey methods, the research evaluates how biodiversity within natural habitat patches can influence predation rates. The findings, indicate that the presence of natural habitats may play a role in enhancing pest control services by increasing predator diversity and activity in intensively managed monocultures.

The research was conducted on a 900-hectare coconut plantation. By using AudioMoths to gather soundscape data and placing dummy caterpillars as artificial prey across various distances from the natural habitat patches, the study measured predation rates and acoustic complexity to draw correlations between biodiversity and pest control potential.

Key results indicate that natural habitat patches, comprising of remnant forests, fallow land, and single large trees, may serve as refuge for pest predators and enhance biological control in adjacent coconut crops. Trends observed showed increased predation activity nearer to the natural habitat patches. Soundscape indices were explored as potential indicators of biodiversity. The acoustic complexity index displayed significant results when corelated to predation events.

The findings are particularly relevant for large-scale monocultures in the Global South, where the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability is increasingly being recognised. Future studies should continue to explore these dynamics with extended monitoring periods to further expand upon these observations.