Pluralistic Valuation of Codling Moth Regulation by Brown Long-Eared Bats in English Apple Orchards

Abstract

The benefits humans utilise from the ecological interactions of the Brown Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) have gone relatively unnoticed in the UK. This study aimed to expose one such interaction through a pluralistic valuation of Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) regulation by P. auritus in the context of English apple orchards. A stage-structured model linking C. pomonella population dynamics through consumption by P. auritus was created to understand crop loss reduction estimates due to this predation. The model found that the presence of a single P. auritus individual resulted in a significant reduction of 81.06–83.68% crop lost per hectare. The results of the avoided costs methods yielded a range of economic estimates with between GBP 307.59 and 604.95/ha private, ecological and social costs being avoided. Traditional biodiverse apple orchards that support P. auritus habitats are at risk from land development and agricultural intensification which would have serious consequences on biodiversity. The findings of this study could form the basis of further research that informs apple orchard managers, local communities dependent on apple production and policymakers of the importance of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture.