Sri Lanka junglefowl

The Sri Lanka junglefowl (lat. Gallus lafayettii) is a member of the Phasianidae family within the Galliformes order. While it serves as the national bird of Sri Lanka, it is recognized as a significant pest in agricultural sectors, causing damage to various cultivated crops near forested habitats.

This species is omnivorous and poses a direct threat to a variety of agricultural products. Its primary damage is directed toward cereal crops, vegetable plantations, and tender sprouts of young fruit trees. The birds are particularly destructive during sowing seasons and at the time of crop ripening when they feed on seeds and harvestable produce.

The biology of Gallus lafayettii is defined by its strong adaptation to modified landscapes. Breeding occurs year-round, which sustains high population levels. They predominantly occupy forest fringes, providing easy access to adjacent agricultural plots, which are frequently exploited for additional food resources.

The damage patterns involve the destruction of seed beds, trampling of young sprouts, and browsing on green plant parts. The negative impact on yields increases significantly during dry seasons when natural food availability is low, forcing birds to concentrate their feeding activity on irrigated farmland.

Integrated pest management strategies to protect crops include:

• Deployment of reflective tapes and scarecrows to deter bird foraging.
• Installation of exclusion netting over vegetable patches and nursery beds.
• Utilization of ultrasonic repellers to manage bird presence.
• Strategic fencing of fields to prevent bird entry into sensitive growing areas.