Tree-rich landscapes help birds and bats nearly double cacao yields in Peru

Agroforestry systems in northern Peru's Amazon region have revealed that integrating shade trees with cacao crops can boost yields and support wildlife, according to a study by researchers from the University of Vienna, Göttingen, Würzburg, and Bioversity International. The findings, published in Communications Earth & Environment, demonstrate that biodiversity conservation and cacao production can coexist, thanks to ecosystem services like natural pest control, improved soil fertility, and temperature regulation.

However, the study also highlights that dense shade caused by uniform tree cover can reduce cacao yields by limiting sunlight. A more diverse arrangement of tall and short shade trees, with a mosaic of open patches, proved to be a more effective solution, maintaining productivity while promoting biodiversity. This approach allows for a balanced ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and farmers.

Perhaps the most significant discovery was the impact of the surrounding landscape on cacao productivity. Cacao yields increased dramatically—from 265 kg per hectare per year to about 1,000 kg per hectare per year—when the landscape featured a mix of forest cover and additional tree crops. Birds and bats played a crucial role in this increase by controlling insect populations that damage cacao flowers and pods, effectively doubling yields in tree-rich landscapes.

The researchers emphasize that sustainable cacao farming goes beyond just practices within individual farms; it requires a landscape-level strategy. They recommend maintaining 30%–35% forest cover, along with 40%–45% of tree-based habitats, and 20%–30% of open areas in the surrounding landscape. This multifunctional approach not only enhances biodiversity but also supports cacao production and the livelihoods of local communities.