The Valencian Lagoon is an area of ​​extremely rich biodiversity, with diverse ecosystems, a vibrant explosion of vegetation and hundreds of species of birds, fish, small mammals, amphibians… The hardest thing to find in the wetland are crocodiles. At least so far. For several days, those walking in the rice fields of l’Albufera have been encountering huge, shiny, static crocodiles with bulging eyes and sharp teeth. Of course, these are not normal examples. They do not come from any swampy region of America, the Nile River or any natural habitat, but from a market where they are sold for 15 euros.

No, it is not a mistake or a prank to scare hikers or tourists visiting the area. Rather, this is the last (and desperate) attempt by farmers in the region to protect their rice fields from the harassment of flamingos.

Crocodiles in the Valencian Albufera? It sounds weird, but yes. The news was also echoed by local media such as newspapers. I grew up or TeleValencia, in addition to several people who recorded their surprise on the networks: In l’Albufera you can see examples of crocodiles resting in the sun for a while, but some are very special ones: inflatable, with handles and strings, made of plastic, which can be bought in most markets for 10-15 euros.

They swim in the wetland tightly tied to poles with ropes. Local media report that four to six individuals can be found scattered across the rice fields.

So who put them there? This may seem like a joke, a blatant attempt to scare hikers and tourists; but Albufera’s inflatable crocodiles are nothing but buffoonery. Farmers put these. Although their purpose is to effectively scare away, they were built with birds spoiling crops in mind, not visitors. More specifically, on flamingos, which often cause serious headaches… and above all, they affect their wallets.

What they are looking for with the crocodiles is to keep them away from their crops and prevent major losses like those experienced in other seasons. So rather than alligators, they installed weird floating scarecrows.

But… Are they effective? Inflatable crocodiles are a desperate attempt to protect rice fields. Whether they are more or less effective is something that remains to be proven. Cadena COPE explains that two plastic dolls were placed for testing last year and that losses from flamingos appear to be less in areas where they are located.

To dispel doubts and know whether the good results will be repeated, we will have to wait for the flocks of birds to arrive in the Valencia park in December, leaving fascinating displays of around 30,000 birds nesting in the wetland.

What are they based on? “We don’t know whether this is a coincidence or whether the presence of these ‘crocodiles’ really has an impact,” he admits. I grew up Fernando Durán from the Unió Llauradora organization. While we wait for the method to show its effectiveness again (or not), Durán points out that the crocodiles’ strategy is based on common sense and what we know about birds. “Experts say that flamingos and other species are afraid of crocodiles. That’s why manufacturers bought these inflatable toys that imitate crocodiles.”

Are these really necessary? This is not the first time the industry has admitted to viewing Albufera birds, particularly flamingos, with concern. The Valencian Farmers’ Union (Ava-Asaja) had warned about the increase in species in l’Albufera in 2021, leading to economic losses for the group.

“I have lands with 30% to complete rice production damage from these animals, and I am tired of replanting because I know they will come back,” he admitted. I grew up José Felip, delegate of the association. The focus wasn’t just on flamingos; It was also open to other species such as ducks.

What effects does it have? Ava-Asaja pointed out that losses caused to rice crops by birds and other fauna in previous campaigns reached 400 thousand euros. In December, the group expressed its fears, warning of the arrival of thousands of pink flamingos: “We are afraid. If precautions are not taken before the next campaign, they will cause great harm to us.”

“They trample newly planted fields so severely that farmers not only lose plants, but in many cases they don’t replant because it’s not worth it.” The flamingo population has been reduced to “reasonable levels”. The inflatable crocodile trick comes at a “critical moment” for crops, shortly after planting and when birds begin to see them.

Image | Wikipedia (Photo.jandro)

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