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In April, Desert Locust outbreaks persisted in the Western Region, with an increase in adult groups and a few small swarms moving northward across the Sahara between Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Additional groups were observed in Morocco, northern Chad, and Niger. Spring breeding continued, leading to the emergence of a new generation of hoppers, including groups and bands. In the Central Region, locust populations declined along both sides of the Red Sea. However, a few adult groups and swarms remained in southern Egypt and northern Sudan, where some hopper groups and bands formed. Laying also occurred in parts of the interior of Saudi Arabia.
During the forecast, spring breeding is expected to continue in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, with the formation of new adult groups and small swarms likely during May. These are expected to begin migrating south toward the Sahel from early June onward, in response to anticipated rainfall. In northern Sudan and southern Egypt, small-scale spring breeding may persist along the Nile Valley, followed by new adults and groups that are likely to move south to summer breeding areas in June. Limited spring breeding is also expected in the interior of Saudi Arabia, with new adults from early June. Control operations will remain necessary across all affected areas. No significant developments are anticipated in the Eastern Region.
KEY POINTS
- Overview: Desert Locust outbreaks persisted in southern Sahara and Northwestern Africa.
- Current situation: Groups, breeding and bands increased in Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia; adult groups in Niger, breeding and groups in Morocco, adults and a small band in Chad. Adult groups and swarms declined along the Nile Valley of Sudan and Egypt; few bands and adult groups in Saudi Arabia.
- Control operations: Doubled during April (34 436 ha) compared to March (17 962 ha)
- Forecast: Spring breeding will continue in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia with new hopper groups and bands. Adult groups and small swarms may migrate to Chad, Niger and Mali. Small-scale spring breeding may persist along the Nile Valley in Sudan and Egypt, and in the interior of Saudi Arabia. Control operations will be required.