How can the use of biological control help in rangeland pest management?

• A. Use of natural enemies (parasitoids, predators, entomopathogenic fungi) to reduce pest populations with minimal environmental impacts
• B. Increase broad-spectrum pesticide use
• C. Release non-native pests to occupy the niche
• D. Rely on mechanical removal only

Answer: (A)

Biological control in rangeland pest management relies on natural enemies—parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi—to suppress pest populations. This approach targets pests more selectively than chemicals, often achieving meaningful reductions with less disruption to non-target species and the broader ecosystem. By releasing or conserving these natural enemies, you can lower pest pressure over time and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which helps protect pollinators, soil life, and water quality and lowers the risk of pest resistance. In practice, it’s supported by monitoring and habitat features that sustain beneficial organisms, with targeted actions only when pest levels exceed practical thresholds. The other options depend on broad-spectrum inputs, introducing new problems, or labor-intensive methods that don’t scale, making biological control the most sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for rangelands.