Double-toothed barbet

The double-toothed barbet (Lybius bidentatus) is a member of the Lybiidae family, order Piciformes. In certain agricultural landscapes, this bird is classified as a pest due to its destructive impact on fruit-bearing trees and berry plantations.

The diet of this species consists mainly of fruits and berries. When orchards are located within their habitat range, these birds can cause significant economic losses by targeting high-quality fruits, making them unsuitable for harvest and market consumption.

Regarding their biology, these birds nest in cavities they excavate in trees. This nesting habit can cause physical damage to the tree trunks, potentially weakening the plant structure if large populations establish themselves within a specific orchard area.

The damage caused by the double-toothed barbet is characterized by deep pecking marks on the skin of the fruit. This opens the fruit to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, leading to rapid decay and a decrease in the overall yield quality.

Management strategies for this pest include:

• Installing bird-proof netting over fruit trees;
• Utilizing acoustic deterrent devices;
• Implementing visual scares, such as predator decoys;
• Managing the orchard to ensure fruits are harvested promptly upon reaching maturity.