Assessment of Pest Control Services by Vertebrates in Nigerian Subsistence Maize Farms

Global conversion of patches natural vegetation into agricultural land is reducing the ecosystem services provided by dwelling species to farmers. For sub-Saharan African subsistence farmers, such a reduction in pest control birds may be significant disadvantage. Here we explored what extent provide staple crop maize (Zea mays) on small farms Mambilla Plateau Taraba State, Nigeria. We used exclosure experiments (maize crops with and without birds) model how influenced yield. found that excluding from significantly reduces yield, although lack direct correlation between bird abundance yield suggests other taxa, as bats, also important predators. Our results suggest this farming landscape, vertebrates does occur, but further research needed understand specific agents role habitat for them.