South African vineyard uses ducks for pest control - in pictures

Working farm steers clear of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers

A flock of Indian Runner ducks hunt for snails and bugs as they patrol the Vergenoegd Wine Estate, in Cape Town, South Africa. All photos: Reuters

The white, black and brown ducks assist as natural pest-control, helping the vineyard owners to avoid using pesticides and synthetic fertilisers

A duck keeper guides the ducks during their daily patrol

"We call them the soldiers of the vineyards," the managing director of the estate, Corius Visser, said

The pest-munching ducks keep the vineyards blooming. Their long legs and an upright posture help them reach for snails between the leaves

In the morning, the ducks go to the vineyards to prevent crop damage, and in the evening they return to their paddocks to peck at pellets of nutritious bird food

Instead of harmful pesticides, the vinyard runs on nutrient-rich manure from the ducks and other animals

The army of patrol ducks also entertain tourists

"It's amazing how they behave themselves, walk in a row, and it's like they're in the army," said Merle Holdsworth, a tourist

"It's almost like raising your own children, so I enjoy it a lot," said worker Yodell Scholtz who has been rearing the ducks for the past two years

They are at the heart of the winery's regenerative sustainable agriculture practices

More from The National:

Surviving the world's coldest city, Yakutsk, as its temperature falls to -50°C

Football fans celebrate in Basra during Arabian Gulf Cup - in pictures

Iraqi-Kurdish Peshmerga officers take part in a graduation ceremony - in pictures

Emirati Hadban twins take over Milan Men's Fashion Week again