Swarms and groups in northern Niger and Mali

In northern Niger, more than 17 groups of immature adults and small swarms from the north arrived between Arlit and Dirkou, including the Air Mountains and the Ténéré Desert, from 31 May to 11 June. Mature swarms were first seen on 6 June in the Air Mountains. Some adults moved further south and reached pasture areas in the northern cropping zones near Tanout. Damage was reported to date palms and cultivations in the Air and Ténéré. Ground teams have been deployed to the Air Mountains, Tabelot and the western Ténéré Desert, and in the grazing areas near Termit. Since 1 June, 740 ha have been treated.

In northern Mali, there have been many reports of locusts, including immature and mature swarms and adult groups near Aguelhoc, in Timetrine, and in wadis along the western side of the Adrar des Iforas. Nomads also reported locust infestations in the north. Although national survey and control teams cannot operate in the north, steps are underway to obtain information about the situation on a regular basis.

Breeding will occur this month in northern Niger and Mali, causing locust numbers to increase further. Hatching and band formation could commence in the coming days. Seasonal breeding will also start shortly in Mauritania and Chad.

In Northwest Africa, the situation has improved as locust numbers declined sharply due to the migration southwards to the northern Sahel. Only isolated adults are currently present in the extreme south of Algeria near In Guezzam and the border of Niger. In western Libya, travelers reported hopper bands on the Al Hamada Al Hamra plateau near Dirj. Survey teams are being redeployed to the southwest and west.