Sime Darby Plantation first began to consider the viability of biological means as an environmentally friendly method of pest control on our oil palm plantations in the early 1990s, following the success of commercial-scale trials.
One of our methods of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the use of predatory animals such as the barn owl to keep rodent population namely rats, in check. This is done through the setting up of nesting boxes at our plantations for the owls to occupy. The ratio of owls per estate is determined based on the occupancy rate of the owl per nesting box and territorial range of the owls. Periodical monitoring is carried out by our employees to maintain the prey-predator equilibrium and overall ecosystem at our plantations.
This method of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has proven to be not just economical but effective as well, in decreasing rodent populations that are damaging to our crops, without overdependence on harmful pesticides. Our initiatives with the barn owl ensures that we are able to operate in the most sustainable manner, whilst minimising risks to the environment, in line with our commitments as a leader within the sector.
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