While the economic and historical significance of rice and crawfish production in Louisiana is well-understood by many state residents, less so is the significant impact these enterprises have in providing essential habitat for numerous wildlife species. The fact that rice and crawfish are both produced in flooded fields during much of the production cycle sets them apart from most other agricultural endeavors in Louisiana. These flooded environments provide outstanding habitat for many types of migrant and resident waterfowl and other waterbird species.
In North America, more than half of all wetland habitats south of the Canada-U.S. border have been drained or lost in the past two centuries. This is especially true in coastal Louisiana where loss of coastal wetlands is one of the major issues facing the state. Louisiana has lost 1,900 square miles of land and marshes along the coast since the 1930s. Currently, Louisiana has 30 percent of the total coastal marsh and accounts for 90 percent of the coastal marsh loss in the lower 48 states. These facts accentuate the importance of the habitat provided by rice and crawfish production.
Most rice and crawfish production in the state is centered in the coastal prairies of southwest Louisiana. This region is one of the most important overwintering areas for migratory ducks and geese in North America. While the vast coastal marshes south of the coastal prairies are essential habitat areas for these migratory waterfowl, flooded agricultural fields in the prairies to the north are also critical habitat areas. In fact, these two ecosystems work together in providing essential habitats. Many ducks and geese roost overnight in the marshes and then begin heading north shortly after sunrise each day to feed in the re-flooded rice fields during daylight hours, only to return to the marshes as sunset approaches. Waste grain remaining after the harvest operation, weed and the vegetative portions of the rice plants themselves provide excellent food sources for these birds in the harvested rice fields.
An additional benefit of the use of these fields by waterfowl is the recreational opportunities they provide for waterfowl hunting. There is a tremendous amount of duck and goose hunting across this area during the winter months each year. Hunting leases provide much needed supplemental income to rice producers and landowners. In addition, these sports activities are an economic boost to many businesses in the region. Many of the waterfowl hunters travel from far and wide to enjoy these hunting opportunities and have need of lodging, food, hunting supplies, etc.
While ducks and geese are evident in these areas through the fall and winter, other species use these fields as well. Flooded fields are extremely important for numerous species of shorebirds that migrate through the region each year. After long journeys from South America, shorebirds need to rest and refuel before continuing north. Louisiana rice fields provide an ideal environment for these migrating birds. Among the many birds that use these fields are numerous species of sandpipers, yellowlegs and dowitchers. Also, species such as black-necked stilts, Dunlins and Wilson’s Phaloropes are major users of this habitat at various times of the year. Many rice and crawfish producers manage their fields above and beyond normal agronomic production practices to enhance the value of those fields for waterbird habitat.
Examples of organizations supporting the wetland habitats and facilitating their preservation and enhancement are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA National Resources Conservation Service, the Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Gulf Coast Joint Venture, Audubon Society, Manomet Center for Conservation Services and the LSU AgCenter. The Louisiana Rice Growers Association and the Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association also promote these efforts.
Permission granted by B. Leonards (LA Farm & Ranch) on December 18, 2009 to reproduce article on the
LSU AgCenter Web site.
