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In May, Desert Locust outbreaks persisted in the Western Region, with an increase in hopper bands and groups, and the appearance of immature adult groups and a few small swarms by the end of the month in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Additional adult groups were present in Chad, Niger, and Morocco, where hopper groups were also observed. In the Central Region, spring breeding declined, with a few hopper bands and groups remaining in Saudi Arabia and some in irrigated areas of Egypt. Immature adult groups and a few small swarms appeared in Egypt, while some few adult groups were found along the northern Nile Valley in Sudan. During the forecast period, hopper groups and bands will fledge and form adult groups and small swarm in northern Algeria, northern Libya, and Tunisia. These immature adults are likely to move slowly south-westward and eventually reach the Sahel in July for summer breeding. The groups already present in central Sahara may find suitable habitats to breed in the southern Sahara and northern Sahel and start a first generation of summer breeding. Control operations will be necessary. In the Central Region, small-scale spring breeding should end, and adults will move southwards in Egypt, Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Control operations may be necessary in these three countries. In the Eastern Region, good pre-monsoon rains of May are expected to facilitate the beginning of a very small-scale breeding along the India-Pakistan border, but no significant developments are expected.
KEY POINTS
- Overview: Desert Locust outbreaks persisted in the Western Region.
- Current situation: Hopper bands and immature adult groups increased in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Adult groups and hoppers were also present in Morocco, Niger, and Chad. Scattered adults in Mauritania. In the Central Region, a few swarms and hopper bands in Egypt, adult groups in Sudan and a few bands in Saudi Arabia.
- Control operations: Increased in May (44 892 ha) compared to April (35 614 ha).
- Forecast: Adult groups and small swarms will continue forming in North Africa and begin moving southwest toward the Sahel in June and July. Summer breeding may start in southern Algeria, northern Niger, and Mauritania. Spring breeding will end in Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, with adults moving south. Very small-scale breeding may begin along the India-Pakistan border.
FAO/DLIS will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates and alerts.
Download the Desert Locust bulletin: https://www.fao.org/locust-watch/en