Increased and sex-selective avian predation of desert locusts Schistocerca gregaria treated with Metarhizium acridum

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum in oil-based formulations (Green Muscle ® (GM)) is a biopesticide for locust control lacking side-effects on biodiversity, unlike chemical insecticides. Under controlled conditions, GM-treated locusts and grasshoppers attract predators, complementary advantage control. We assessed avian predation population of desert northern Niger aerially sprayed operationally with GM 107 g viable conidia ha -1 . Populations adult birds vegetation greenness were simultaneously along two transects from 12 days before until 23 after treatment. Common kestrels Falco tinnunculus lanners F biarmicus the predominant predators. Regurgitated pellets prey remains collected daily beneath “plucking posts” kestrels. Locusts started dying five post-spray had its maximum effect one-two weeks spray, 80% efficacy at day 21. After spraying, bird numbers increased significantly ( P <0.05) concurrent decreasing densities. Locust decreased <0.001) both time since spraying greenness. Before kestrel food under plucking posts accounted 34.3 ±13.4 items , which 31.0 ±11.9 (90.3%), reducing to 21.1 ±7.3 which19.5 ±6.7 (92.5%), attributable use plucking-posts by rather than an spray. took more larger female (75–80%) smaller male (20–25%) locusts. Avian probably enhanced impact population, especially removing large females. No direct or indirect adverse observed non-target organisms including predators such as ants birds. These substantial ecological advantages should also be considered when choosing between conventional biopesticide-based