79 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2018/2019 04 S E C T I O N ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The Use of Barn Owls in Sabah to Manage Rat Populations Rats are considered a major pest in oil palm plantations as they cause damage to young palms and feed on ripening fruit bunches. It is estimated that in the Sahabat region alone, up to RM49 million (based on 63,000 Ha of yielding areas in the Sahabat region and 10% oil loss) is lost due to rat attacks annually. As such, FGV has invested significant time and money in researching cost-efficient and ecologically friendly ways to manage this issue. Barn owls are known to feed principally upon rodents, which comprise 99% of their diet, making it the most efficient biological control. Since 2009, FGV has been introducing barn owls into the Sahabat region in Sabah to nurture and establish a successful owl population that can be used to control the rat population in estates. RESPONSIBLE CHEMICAL USE AND HANDLING FGV advocates the responsible use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers and the use of chemicals remains our least preferred option. However, any chemicals that are used are legally allowed by the local ministries and regulatory bodies in respective countries. Further to that, FGV does not use chemicals that fall under the World Health Organization Class 1A or 1B, or listed by the Stockholm or Rotterdam Conventions. All fertilisers are optimised to ensure minimum impact on the environment while also ensuring maximum profitability and taking into consideration the leaf and soil nutrient status, palm age and potential yield versus the expected yield for a particular year. Over the past few years, FGV has consistently reduced the amount of Class I herbicides used in our plantations. Research into more natural agents and methods of controlling pests, weeds and fungi has enabled us to do this and has resulted in year-on-year reductions. As of 2019, FGV has stopped using any Class I herbicides and insecticides such as paraquat dichloride and methamidophos or monochrothopos in its estates. The use of Class I herbicides in 2017-2019 2017 2018 2019 Formulation (litre/Ha) 0.96 0.091 Nil Active ingredients (a.i) (litre/Ha) 1.09 0.065 Nil At FGV’s estates, agrochemicals are applied by trained personnel under supervision and in accordance with national laws and regulations. Workers handling agrochemicals are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and undergo annual medical check-ups, which are covered by FGV. We value the safety and well-being of all our workers and conduct regular internal safety audits to ensure they comply with these safety measures. In June 2013, 401.45 Ha of mature oil palm estates in the Sahabat region were gazetted as a ‘rodenticide-free area’ to encourage early owl population growth. With rats as its main food source, the barn owl population has been growing at a rate of 16.7% per year. In 2019, some new areas in the Sahabat region began a programme of installing barn owl nest boxes in appropriate locations. The aim was to encourage dispersing juvenile owls to take up residence and breed, improving local populations. To date, there are ±1,500 owls in the Sahabat region covering some 8,000 Ha (Embara, Fajar and Cenderawasih Complexes). A total of 115 barn owl boxes have been set up and 75% of them have become well-established. In 2020, we are looking to translocate the barn owls to FGV PUP, FGV Umas and FGV Kalabakan to further expand the population, help minimise the use of rodenticide and reduce operational costs. This project has been a successful example of integrated pest management and a symbol of FGV’s commitment to sustainability. 115 Barn Owl boxes have been set up and 75% of them have become well-established
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