South Africa’s Vergenoegd vineyard in Stellenbosch keeps a flock of over 1,000 Indian Runner ducks to help combat tiny white dune snails that would otherwise destroy the budding vines. The ducks’ upright and slender posture allow them to navigate the rows of plants, clearing up to a hectare a day.

While the cost of keeping all these ducks is significantly higher than standard pesticides, the duck army is so effective that the vineyard uses minimal chemicals and is recognized for its sustainability. See more images by London-born, Cape Town-based photographer Mike Hutchings and a video of the ducks working below!

Photos & video via Reuters Wider Image

by Tony Manfred and editing by Ben Nigh via Insider