Locusts may dramatically increase in SW Libya outbreak
During the last week of February, an increasing number of adults were seen copulating and ready to lay eggs in areas of recent rainfall within the current outbreak area in southwest Libya. Most of the adults were gregarious and had formed medium to high density groups. Although ground teams treated 835 ha from 20 to 29 February, it is likely that a second generation of breeding will occur with hatching during the second half of March and early April, followed by the formation of hopper bands.
The current situation is potentially threatening. As hatching occurs, there is a high risk that locust numbers will increase dramatically near Ghat and probably in adjacent areas of SE Algeria and W Libya where rains fell last month and the locust situation is not well known. Current insecurity along both sides of the border is hampering field operations.
Consequently, all efforts are required to conduct surveys in areas of recent rain and run-off, and to undertake control operations as necessary.