In the pepper plantations of Ngarip, Tanggamus, there is a silent guardian of the night: the nightjar. This nocturnal bird, often seen gliding low over the fields at dusk, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by feeding on night-flying insects that could otherwise damage pepper crops.
Nightjars are natural pest controllers. Without the need for chemical pesticides, they help farmers reduce populations of moths, beetles, and sap-sucking insects, ensuring that pepper plants remain healthy and productive. This makes them an important ally in promoting sustainable farming practices.
Their presence is also a valuable indicator of ecosystem health. Nightjars thrive only in areas where food sources are abundant and the environment is relatively undisturbed by pollution or excessive light. This means that pepper farms that support nightjars are often those that maintain a healthy and balanced agroecosystem.
Farmers in Ngarip are becoming more aware of the importance of protecting these birds. They are reducing the use of chemical pesticides and adopting agroforestry practices that provide hashtag#natural habitats and food sources. As a result, pepper production remains strong while biodiversity is preserved.
Nightjars are more than just part of local wild life — they are natural partners for farmers. Protecting them means safeguarding the future of Ngarip’s pepper plantations, keeping them productive, resilient, and environmentally friendly.
