Great bustard

Systematic position: The Great Bustard (Latin Otis tarda) belongs to the order Otidiformes and the family Otididae. It is a large ground-dwelling bird that has historically occupied steppe and grassland habitats, increasingly interacting with modern agricultural systems as its natural foraging grounds are converted to farmland.

Crops affected: The species primarily impacts winter cereals, oilseed rape, sunflower, and various pulse crops. During the germination stage, young plants are vulnerable to being plucked and consumed by the birds, while later in the season, the presence of large flocks can result in significant trampling of mature plants.

Biology and life cycle: Breeding occurs in spring, with nests placed directly on the ground in open fields. After hatching, the chicks are precocial and follow the adults to forage. This behavior means that the birds remain active in agricultural areas throughout the growth period of various crops, moving from one feeding site to another depending on the phenological stage of the vegetation.

Damage character and economic impact: The primary economic impact is caused by mechanical damage to crops through trampling and the destruction of the apical meristem in young plants. This causes uneven crop stands, loss of plant density, and increased competition with weeds, ultimately reducing the final yield quality and quantity for the farmer.

Management strategies: Given the protected status of the species in many jurisdictions, management strategies must focus on non-lethal deterrents. Effective methods include the deployment of bio-acoustic systems, optical deterrents like reflective tapes or predator-shaped kites, and the strategic planning of crop rotations to minimize the presence of highly palatable plants in high-density nesting areas.