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Desert Locust briefs 2004

28 December. Locusts in Guinea Bissau

In the past few days, Desert Locust infestations have appeared in cropping areas in northern Guinea Bissau. These arrived from southern Senegal where low numbers of immature swarms are present. There have been no new reports of swarms in Gambia. Control operations continue against small swarms in southern and southeast Mauritania, but the situation is calm in the centre and north where breeding conditions are favourable in only a few limited places. Intensive aerial and ground control operations continue against immature swarms in the valleys and plateaux of the Atlas Mountains in southwest and northeast Morocco. Similar operations are in progress in the central and northern Sahara and Atlas in Algeria. Several mature swarms, some copulating, are present in southwest Libya and groups of immature adults were reported in the southeast near Kufra and Jebel Uweinat. Mature adult groups were treated in the Red Sea Hills west of Marsa Alam, Egypt. Insignificant numbers of locusts are present on the Red Sea coast in Yemen. No locusts have been seen on the Red Sea coasts of Sudan and Saudi Arabia during the past week.

28 December. Locusts in Guinea Bissau

13 December. Locusts in Gambia

Several immature swarms have arrived in the Central River, North Bank and Upper River divisions in Gambia in the past few days, and control operations have been launched. These swarms are left over from late summer breeding in the Sahel and are coming from eastern Senegal and western Mali. They are probably limited in number and the risk of additional incoming swarms should decline. Groups of immature adults are present in northern Mali and in Tamesna in northwest Niger. In Algeria, more immature swarms arrived in the south from the Sahel, along the Libyan border and along the Moroccan border. Intensive aerial and ground control operations continue against immature swarms in Morocco and Algeria, primarily in the valleys and plateaux of the Atlas Mountains. The majority of the swarms will stay immature and remain there until spring, providing a good opportunity to reduce locust numbers significantly in the next four months. Control operations are also in progress in Mauritania. Immature gregarious adults were scattered along the border of Libya and Egypt near Jebel Uweinat. Although there have not been any new reports, small residual infestations are probably present in the northern Red Sea Trench.

13 December. Locusts in Gambia

2 December. Locusts in Canary Islands and Portugal

Immature adults and a few swarms coming from Northwest Africa reached the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote 26-28 November and the Algarve coast in southern Portugal on 1 December. Locusts may have also reached nearby coastal areas in Spain south of Sevilla. These locusts are arriving on warm southerly winds that occur for a day or two ahead of low pressure systems that bring rain to the Mediterranean Basin. Consequently, there is a risk that additional locusts could appear during periods of warm southerly winds in Madeira, and southern Portugal and Spain. In adjacent areas on the Northwest African mainland, intensive aerial and ground control operations are underway against immature swarms in Morocco and Algeria that continue to arrive from West Africa and move into the valleys and plateaux of the Atlas Mountains including the Souss Valley, an important agricultural area. The majority of the swarms will stay immature and remain there until spring, providing a good opportunity to reduce locust numbers significantly in the next four months. More swarms have arrived in western Libya from the Sahel, and a few swarms have matured and laid eggs that hatched and hopper bands are forming. Control operations continue against swarms in southwest Mauritania and several immature swarms have reinvaded the south and southeast as well as neighboring areas in northeast Senegal. These swarms are coming from the east in the Sahel. Locusts and a few swarms continue to be reported from southern Israel and adjacent areas in Jordan, probably from nearby locusts that have dispersed over a large area of the northern Red Sea. These are expected to move further south along the Red Sea. So far, an immature swarm reached the northern coast of Saudi Arabia near Duba and scattered adults were present further south near Al Wahj.

2 December. Locusts in Canary Islands and Portugal

30 November. Locusts in the Canary Islands

Immature adults and a small swarm coming from Northwest Africa reached the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the past few days. In adjacent areas on the mainland, intensive aerial and ground control operations are underway against immature swarms in Morocco and Algeria that continue to arrive from West Africa. The swarms are present in the valleys and plateaux of the Atlas Mountains including the Souss Valley, an important agricultural area. The majority of the swarms will remain immature there until spring, providing a good opportunity to reduce locust numbers significantly in the next four months. More swarms have arrived in western Libya from the Sahel, and a few swarms have matured and laid eggs that hatched and hopper bands are forming. Control operations continue against swarms in southwest Mauritania and several immature swarms have reinvaded the south and southeast as well as neighboring areas in northeast Senegal. These swarms are coming from the east in the Sahel. Locusts and a few swarms continue to be reported from southern Israel and adjacent areas in Jordan, probably from nearby locusts that have dispersed over a large area of the northern Red Sea. These are expected to move further south along the Red Sea. An immature swarm was treated on the northern coast of Saudi Arabia near Duba and scattered adults were present further south near Al Wahj yesterday.

30 November. Locusts in the Canary Islands

25 November. Swarms move west in the Sahel

There are new reports of swarms moving west in the Sahel in the past few days. Immature swarms have crossed from Niger, reinfesting northern Burkina Faso, and continuing into central Mali, east of Bamako. Other swarms are moving west along the Mali/Mauritania border, reinvading southeastern and southern Mauritania and northeastern Senegal. Swarms are expected to move further west in Mali and could reach eastern Senegal and Guinea, the so-called Southern Circuit movement. Some swarms could also move south in eastern Senegal. Aerial and ground control operations continue against immature swarms in Mauritania. Limited operations continue in northern Niger where some areas are not accessible due to insecurity. Intensive operations are underway in Morocco, Algeria and western Libya against immature swarms that continue to arrive from the Sahel. A few more locusts and swarms have arrived in the Sinai and southern Israel from earlier swarms in northern Egypt. Most of the locusts have dispersed over a large area of the northern Red Sea from the Sinai and the northern Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia to the southeastern coast in Egypt. Control operations were conducted in Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Additional swarms are unlikely to arrive in the region from West Africa, and the locusts already present are not likely to move further north or east due to cold weather; instead, they will move south along the Red Sea.

25 November. Swarms move west in the Sahel

22 November. Swarms reach Israel and the northern Red Sea

Winds have carried several immature swarms across the Sinai Peninsula into the northern Red Sea Trench. On 19-21 November, swarms arrived in southern Israel, including Eilat, and adjacent areas in Jordan near Aqaba. Other swarms were seen in the Negev Desert and the southern Dead Sea Basin; egg-laying is not expected to occur. Control operations were immediately undertaken. On the 21st, groups of adults arrived on the northern Red Sea coastal plains in Saudi Arabia near Duba where control is underway. There were also unconfirmed reports of locusts on the Red Sea coast in Egypt near Hurghada. Consequently, locusts are thought to have dispersed over a large area extending from Suez to Hurghada, Sharm Esh Sheikh and Taba. Most of the locusts are expected to move south along the Red Sea while some could move east into western Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia. Two swarms were also seen in the Western Desert in Egypt near Farafra Oasis. Intensive aerial and ground control operaitons continued against immature swarms in Morocco and Algeria. Many of the swarms are concentrated along the coast in northern Western Sahara where swarms continue to arrive from the Sahel. Swarms will continue to move to the Atlas Mountains as long as temperatures remain warm. A few adults reached the Canary Islands and more could appear on southerly winds. Control operations also continue in western Mauritania. Several large swarms have appeared in the south (Guidimaka) along the Senegal River and in adjacent areas of northeast Senegal, perhaps coming from western Mali. There is a risk that more swarms could appear in northern Senegal and move westwards. Several immature swarms also reinvaded northern Burkina Faso from adjacent areas of Niger and Mali.

22 November. Swarms reach Israel and the northern Red Sea

18 November. Swarm in Cairo; control in NW Africa

A large medium-density immature swarm from the Nile Delta fly over Cairo for about one hour on 17 November. By the end of the day, it had reached the Gulf of Suez where control was carried out. Smaller infestations appeared on the Mediterranean coast in northern Sinai the same day. These could continue east into Israel and Gaza in the coming days. Intensive aerial and ground control operations continue in Morocco and Algeria against numerous immature swarms that continue to arrive from the Sahel. Most of the swarms are in the Souss Valley and Atlas Moutains and a few have reached the coastal plains in northwest and northeast Morocco. Smaller operations continue in central and southern Tunisia. Aerial and ground operations continue against immature and maturing swarms in southwestern and southern Mauritania. More swarms have appeared from the east in southern Mauritania near the Senegal and Malian borders, suggesting that there may be undetected swarms in western Mali that could reinvade northern Senegal. Small infestations of hopper bands and immature swarms persist in northern Mali. More swarms have appeared in northern Niger as they continue to move out of the Sahelian zone further south. The situation should continue to improve in West Africa but it is likely to deteriorate further in Northwest Africa as more swarms arrive during this month.

18 November. Swarm in Cairo; control in NW Africa

15 November. Intensive control operations continue in NW Africa

The Desert Locust situation remains very serious in Northwest Africa where aerial and ground control operations are in progress in Morocco and Algeria against numerous immature swarms that continue to reach the Atlas Mountains. In Morocco, swarms are concentrated in the Souss Valley but extend throughout the Atlas and a few have reached the northwest coast. Smaller operations are underway in central and southern Tunisia. Large-scale operations continue in southwestern and southern Mauritania where numerous immature swarms are present and moving northwards. Small infestations of hopper bands and immature swarms are present in northern Mali and Niger. No locusts have been reported in Senegal since 5 November and only one swarm was seen in northern Burkina Faso coming from western Niger. A few swarms were seen in the Cape Verde island where hatching and band formation is underway in a few places. Several swarms are present in northern Egypt and a few may have arrived in Cyprus during the past few days when there were warm southerly winds. The situation should continue to improve in West Africa but it is likely to deteriorate further in Northwest Africa as more swarms arrive during this month.

15 November. Intensive control operations continue in NW Africa

8 November. Control continues against swarms in NW Africa

Intensive aerial and ground control operations continue in Morocco and Algeria against immature swarms arriving from summer breeding areas in the Sahel in West Africa. Swarms are maturing in Mauritania where control operations are in progress in the south and centre. Smaller infestations are present in the northern parts of Senegal, Mali and Niger. The situation has returned to normal in Burkina Faso and Chad. Several swarms that arrived on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt have drifted further east and invaded farms between Cairo and Alexandria. The locusts that arrived on the coast of Cyprus and Lebanon were controlled. Local breeding is underway on the Red Sea coast in Yemen. The situation should continue to improve in West Africa but it is likely to deteriorate further in Northwest Africa as more swarms arrive during this month.

8 November. Control continues against swarms in NW Africa

3 November. Swarms reach Crete, Cyprus and Lebanon

The Desert Locust situation is improving in the Sahel in West Africa where vegetation is rapidly drying up and numerous swarms have left and moved north into northwest Mauritania and Western Sahara where it is dry. Consequently, the swarms are continuing northwards and have reached the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria where intensive aerial and ground control operations are in progress against numerous incoming swarms. Some of the swarms have continued east along the southern side of the Atlas to southern Tunisia. Other swarms have moved to the Cape Verde islands, northern Mali and Niger, and southern Algeria. Locusts are declining in Senegal and the situation has returned to normal in Burkina Faso. Unusually strong and persistent southwesterly winds carried a few swarms to the Mediterranean coast near the border of Libya and Egypt, and a few swarmlets crossed the sea and reached the island of Crete in Greece as well as Cyprus. Several swarms reached the coast of Lebanon on 1 November. The situation should continue to improve in the Sahel but it is likely to deteriorate further in Northwest Africa as more swarms arrive during November.

3 November. Swarms reach Crete, Cyprus and Lebanon

22 October. Sahel improves as more swarms move to NW Africa

Desert Locust infestations are declining in the Sahel due to control operations and the migration of swarms northwards. Consequently, few locusts remain in the Sahelian zones in Mali and northern Burkina Faso but an increasing number of hopper bands and swarms are forming in the Adrar des Iforas in northern Mali. A similar situation is present in Niger. A few bands and swarms persist in northern Senegal and the Cape Verde islands. Swarms continue to form and arrive in western Mauritania where they are moving further north through the Western Sahara and an increasing number have reached the southern side of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria where control operations are underway. Other swarms have moved from Mali and Niger into southern Algeria. If rains do not occur in the coming weeks, most of the swarms are likely to concentrate along the southern side of the Atlas in Morocco and Algeria.

22 October. Sahel improves as more swarms move to NW Africa

15 October . Swarms near the Atlas Mountains

Desert Locust swarms continue to leave West Africa and move towards the north and northwest. So far this month, swarms have arrived in northwest Mauritania and southern Western Sahara. Some of these swarms continued north and have reached the Draa Valley in Morocco. Swarms have also formed south of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and probably in Morocco as a result of breeding during the summer by residual populations from the spring. Other swarms have moved into southern Algeria from the Sahel in Mali and Niger where swarms are present. Hopper bands and swarms are present in northern and central Senegal. A ship report of swarms off the southern coast of Senegal may indicate that swarms are moving to the Casamance region in the south. Hatching is in progress in the Cape Verde islands where swarms laid eggs last month. More swarms will move in the coming weeks from the Sahel to Northwest Africa. Aerial and ground control operations continue in West Africa and have started in Morocco and Algeria. In an unrelated development, local breeding is in progress on the Red Sea coast in Yemen where hoppers are forming groups in a few places.

15 October . Swarms near the Atlas Mountains

11 October. More swarms invade Cape Verde

Desert Locust swarms are moving out of West Africa. Several waves of immature swarms invaded three of the Cape Verde islands last week. Other swarms have recently reached southwest Libya near Ghat and the Algerian border, northwest Mauritania and southern Western Sahara. Control operations were immediately undertaken. Numerous immature swarms continue to form in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali, Niger and northern Burkina Faso. Many of the swarms are large and dense, and are moving towards the north and northwest. More swarms will form this month in the Sahel and a major redistribution of populations from West Africa to Northwest Africa is expected to occur this month. Aerial and ground control operations have treated some 875,000 ha so far this summer in West Africa. In an unrelated development, local breeding is in progress on the Red Sea coast in Yemen where hoppers are forming groups in a few places.

11 October. More swarms invade Cape Verde

5 October. Swarms invade Libya

Several immature Desert Locust swarms invaded southwest Libya near Ghat and the Algerian border this past week. Control operations were immediately undertaken. Numerous immature swarms continue to form in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali, Niger and northern Burkina Faso. Many of the swarms are large and dense and are on the move. Recent reports indicate that swarms have moved into western, northern and northeastern Niger, and adults have reached southern Algeria. Although conditions remain favourable in parts of the Sahel to allow a second generation of breeding, albeit on a smaller scale than the first, most of the swarms that form this month will move to the north and northwest. Consequently, a major redistribution of populations from West Africa to Northwest Africa is expected to occur in October. Aerial and ground control operations have treated some 875,000 ha so far this summer in West Africa. In an unrelated development, local breeding is in progress on the Red Sea coast in Yemen where hoppers are forming groups in a few places.

5 October. Swarms invade Libya

1 October. More swarms form in West Africa

New reports indicated that immature swarms of Desert Locust are forming in northern Burkina Faso. New swarms continue to form in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali and Niger. Many of the swarms are highly mobile and are flying, especially in areas where vegetation is drying out. Some of these are quite large and dense. Several swarms reached the Cape Verde islands, northwestern Mauritania, southern Western Sahara and northern Mali during the past ten days. Conditions remain favourable in parts of the Sahel to allow a second generation of breeding. So far, this is in progress in southern Mauritania near Aioun El Atrous where recently matured summer swarms were seen laying eggs in the past few days. Smaller infestations of late instar hopper bands continue to develop in central and eastern Chad and in southern Algeria along the border with Mali. More swarms will form in the Sahelian countries and move into northwest Mauritania and the southern portion of Northwest Africa in the coming weeks. In an unrelated development, local breeding is in progress on the Red Sea coast in Yemen where hoppers are forming groups in a few places.

1 October. More swarms form in West Africa

28 September. Swarms start moving into northwest Mauritania

In the past week, several immature swarms moved into northwest Mauritania, the extreme south of Western Sahara and to five of the Cape Verde islands. These swarms originated in the summer breeding areas in West Africa and suggests that swarms are now starting to move out of those areas where vegetation is drying up. Nevertheless, large areas remain green in the Sahel where hopper bands continue to develop and new immature swarms continue to form in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali and Niger. Smaller infestations of late instar hopper bands continue to develop in northern Burkina Faso and central and eastern Chad. New swarms are expected to form in these countries in the next few days. Crop damage continues to be reported in the affected countries. Summer breeding continues in southern Algeria along the border with Mali where hoppers are forming groups. Although control operations have increased, there are serious shortages of pesticide and aircraft in many countries. Consequently, more swarms are expected to move into northwest Mauritania and the southern portion of Northwest Africa in the coming weeks. In an unrelated development, local breeding is in progress on the Red Sea coast in Yemen where hoppers are forming groups in a few places.

28 September. Swarms start moving into northwest Mauritania

23 September. More swarms form in West Africa and start to move

Immature swarms have started forming in northern Senegal and in Mali. Swarms continue to form throughout southern Mauritania and in parts of Niger. In the last few days, swarms moved northwards in Mauritania, reaching Nouakchott and the Atar and Adrar regions in the northwest. Some locusts may have reached the Western Sahara. Numerous swarms are present along the Mali-Mauritania border. Late instar hopper bands continue to develop in the Sahel, including northern Burkina Faso. In some villages, homes were invaded by bands. Smaller infestations are present in parts of central and eastern Chad where breeding is underway. Crop damage continues to be reported in the affected countries. Summer breeding has extended into southern Algeria along the border with Mali where early instar hoppers are present. Although control operations have increased, there are serious shortages of pesticide and aircraft in many countries. Consequently, more swarms are expected to move into northwest Mauritania and the southern portion of Northwest Africa in the coming weeks.

23 September. More swarms form in West Africa and start to move

17 September. More swarms form in the Sahel

Despite control operations, the situation is deteriorating in West Africa where the first generation of summer swarms are forming in southern Mauritania and Niger. As large numbers of late instar hopper bands are present throughout the Sahel, more swarms will form in these countries as well as in northern and central Senegal, in the Sahel and in the north of Mali and in northern Burkina Faso in the coming weeks. Smaller infestations are present in Chad and the Cape Verde islands. About 300,000 ha been treated so far this summer in West Africa. As more aircraft become operational in the next few days, the control rate will increase considerably in each country. Severe damage has occurred in several countries to pastures, cereals and vegetables. Most of the new swarms that are forming in the Sahel will move to northwest Mauritania and Western Sahara from October onwards and breed, causing new swarms to form in early 2005. From October to March 2005, Northwest Africa will be reinvaded probably on a larger scale than that which occurred in the spring of this year. Swarms will eventually reach the Atlas Mountains and breed along its southern side from March to June 2005. Consequently, large numbers of hopper bands and swarms could develop there by next summer. This year, some swarms are also expected to move west in the Sahel and reinvade northern Senegal from October to December. These swarms then will move south to Gambia and Guinea Bissau, reaching Guinea by about December. Breeding could occur in these countries at the end of the year. At this point, there is no threat to other countries or regions.

17 September. More swarms form in the Sahel

3 September. New swarms starting to form in Mauritania

The situation continues to deteriorate in West Africa where summer breeding is in progress over a large area of southern Mauritania, northern and central Senegal, in the Sahel and in the north of Mali, in western Niger, in northern Burkina Faso and probably in Chad. In the past few days, several mature swarms were seen in Dakar. Numerous hopper bands are forming and maturing rapidly in these countries. Laying and hatching are likely to continue in a few places. A massive amount of fledging has started in southeastern Mauritania and new swarms are beginning to form. This will also occur in the other countries in the coming weeks. Consequently, a substantial number of swarms are expected to form in September. There was one unconfirmed swarm report in Darfur, Sudan but the situation there is likely to be less serious than in West Africa. The unconfirmed report of locusts in northwestern Nigeria was Tree Locust. Significant crop damage has occurred in several countries. Control operations are underway in all countries but are hampered by insufficient resources.

3 September. New swarms starting to form in Mauritania

25 August. Large-scale breeding in West Africa; new swarms about to form

The situation continues to deteriorate in West Africa where breeding is in progress over a large area of southern Mauritania, in the Sahel and in the north of Mali, in western Niger, and in northern and central Senegal. Hatching has occurred and hopper bands are forming in all of these countries. Some bands have reached fifth instar in Mauritania where new swarms are expected to start forming in about one week. Other bands are only at the third instar stage in Mali, and first and second instar in Senegal and Niger. A few swarms from Northwest Africa reached both western and northeastern Chad earlier in the month. Some of these may have continued into western Sudan although, so far, there are no reports of locusts there. A few swarms reached northern Burkina Faso and there was an unconfirmed report of locusts in northwestern Nigeria. Significant crop damage has been reported in several countries. Control operations are underway in all countries but are hampered by insufficient resources.

25 August. Large-scale breeding in West Africa; new swarms about to form

5 August. More swarms invade the Sahel & first hopper bands form

Swarms continue to arrive from Northwest Africa in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali and Niger. Some swarms may have reached Chad. There is also a low risk of a few swarms appearing in northern Burkina Faso. So far, there are no reports of swarms in Darfur, western Sudan but the threat remains high in August. Yesterday, swarms were seen over Nouakchott, Mauritania. The swarms that invaded the Sahel have matured quickly and laid eggs in pasture and cropping areas because of the favourable conditions. This coincides with summer plantings. Massive hatching has started and large numbers of dense hopper bands are forming in Mauritania and along the Senegal River Valley. Many farmers have stopped sowing seeds because of the locust threat. New swarms are expected to start forming in about one month. Consequently, summer crops are at risk in all affected countries. Control operations are getting underway in most places but are hampered by insufficient resources. In Northwest Africa, the situation has improved and nearly returned to normal in Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.

5 August. More swarms invade the Sahel & first hopper bands form

26 July. More swarms invade the Sahel from Northwest Africa

More swarms have arrived from Northwest Africa in southern Mauritania. Some of these have spread into northeastern Senegal and western Mali. Other swarms have arrived in northern Mali and the first reports of swarms have been received from northern Niger in Tamesna. Due to good rains so far in the Sahel, conditions are favourable for breeding over a large area. Egg-laying has occurred in Senegal and Mauritania, and is expected to start shortly in Mali and Niger. Consequently, hatching and hopper band formation should commence by the end of July. Newly planted crops are at risk in the affected countries. Control operations in the Sahel are hampered by insufficient resources and the difficulty of locating and treating the highly mobile swarms. So far, no swarms have been reported in Chad or western Sudan although the threat remains high. There is also a risk of a few swarms appearing in northern Burkina Faso. In Northwest Africa, intensive control operations continue but appear to be declining in Morocco and Libya, suggesting that the situation is starting to calm down and return to normal.

26 July. More swarms invade the Sahel from Northwest Africa

21 July. Swarms continue to invade the Sahel from Northwest Africa

More swarms have arrived from Northwest Africa in southern Mauritania, in northeastern Senegal, and in northern Mali in the past few days. Good rains have fallen in many places and conditions are favourable for breeding. The swarms are highly mobile and difficult to locate and treat. Consequently, they will mature quickly and lay eggs. Hatching should start by the end of this month, leading to the formation of hopper bands. Newly planted crops are at risk in the affected countries. Intensive control operations continue in Morocco and Algeria against recently formed swarms. Operations continue in Tunisia but are declining in Libya. Most of the control in Northwest Africa should be finished by the end of July as the remainder of the swarms move to Mauritania, Mali, Niger. Swarms are also expected to reach Senegal, Chad and western Sudan and lay eggs. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in the Sahel and in southern Algeria.

21 July. Swarms continue to invade the Sahel from Northwest Africa

9 July. More swarms invade Mauritania and arrive in Cape Verde Islands

In the past five days, more swarms have migrated from Northwest Africa. In Mauritania, there have been at least 45 reports of immature swarms in the central interior (Ouadane, Tidjikja, Tichit) and in the south. Although some were treated, most of the swarms are highly mobile and are dispersing throughout the summer breeding areas in the south where additional rains have fallen in the last few days. Some swarms were about 8 sq. km in size, containing up to 200 adults/sq. metre. Several swarms were also reported from three islands in the Cape Verde archipelago. Many more swarms are expected to form in the spring breeding areas in Northwest Africa and invade southern Algeria and the Sahel (Mauritania, Mali and Niger) in the coming days and weeks. There is also a risk that some swarms may reach Chad, Senegal and western Sudan. Intensive aerial and ground control operations continue in Northwest Africa against late instar hopper bands and newly formed swarms in Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia. The swarms that arrive in the Sahel will mature and lay eggs during July, and new swarms could start to form by early September. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in the Sahel and in southern Algeria.

9 July. More swarms invade Mauritania and arrive in Cape Verde Islands

25 June. Locust swarms start arriving in West Africa

New reports indicate that Desert Locust swarms are moving out of the spring breeding areas in Northwest Africa and arriving in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel, West Africa. In southwest Mauritania, a swarm was seen near Magta Lahjar on 16 June and there were several reports of swarms in the Senegal River Valley near Rosso on the 20th. These probably originated from northern Mauritania. In northern Mali, several swarms were reported in the Adrar des Iforas and Timetrine on 18-23 June coming from Algeria. More swarms are expected to appear in these places as well as in Niger. Summer rains have started in some areas which will allow the locusts to mature and lay eggs in the coming weeks. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in the Sahel and in southern Algeria. Intensive control operations continue in Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia where new adults are forming groups and swarms.

25 June. Locust swarms start arriving in West Africa

14 June. Locusts forming groups in NW Africa and swarms in Mauritania

The situation continues to be alarming, particular in Northwest Africa where, despite continuing aerial and ground control operations against hopper bands, new adults are forming groups in Morocco, Algeria, Libya and probably Tunisia. Vegetation is starting to dry out in many of these areas. Consequently, any swarms that form and escape control operations will move to the summer breeding areas in the Sahel of West Africa where rains have already started in some places. In the past few days, several swarms were seen moving southwards in Mauritania including a 44 sq. km medium-sized one near Nouakchott. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in the Sahel and in southern Algeria. International assistance is desperately required to supplement major efforts already underway and to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

14 June. Locusts forming groups in NW Africa and swarms in Mauritania

2 June. Swarms expected to form in NW Africa and move to Sahel

Although control operations have treated more this year than at any time since the last plague in 1987-89, the Desert Locust situation continues to be very worrying. Numerous swarms are expected to form in the coming weeks in NW Africa from any hopper bands that escape the intensive aerial and ground control operations currently underway in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. These swarms will invade the Sahel in West Africa during June and July and lay eggs in areas that receive rain in southern Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad. These will be supplemented by adult groups and swarms that form in currently infested areas in northern Mauritania and Niger. Crops planted on the first rains may be threatened. During June, there is also a risk of swarms appearing in northern Senegal. Some swarms could also reach western Sudan. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in these countries.

2 June. Swarms expected to form in NW Africa and move to Sahel

21 May. Situation deteriorates into an upsurge in Northwest Africa


Intensive ground and aerial control operations continue against hopper bands south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Hatching and band formation are expected shortly in northwestern Libya. New swarms continue to form, albeit on a smaller scale, in northern and central Mauritania and the Western Sahara. As gregarious breeding has now occurred for the second successive season, an upsurge can be considered underway in the region. A few swarms have also formed and dispersed in the Air Mountains, Niger. The situation remains calmer in the Central Region where only small hopper band infestations persist near Dongola, northern Sudan. Swarms will move from Northwest Africa to the Sahel during June and July. Appropriate preparations should be made immediately in southern Mauritania, northern Senegal, Mali, Niger and Chad. There is a risk that some swarms could reach western Sudan. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries.

21 May. Situation deteriorates into an upsurge in Northwest Africa

30 April. Extremely serious situation continues in Northwest Africa

The situation remains extremely serious in Northwest Africa where swarms have laid eggs in Morocco and Algeria. Many of these have hatched and new hoppers bands are forming. Swarms also laid in western Libya and these should hatching in the coming days. A similar situation may be present in southern Tunisia. New swarms are forming in northern Mauritania and the Western Sahara. Smaller infestations of hoppers bands and groups of immature adults are present in Niger. The situation continues to be calmer in the Central Region where only small infestations of hopper bands are present in northern Sudan and on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Any locusts that escape survey and control operations in Northwest Africa will move to the Sahalien countries most likely from late May onwards. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of resources continue to limit their effectiveness in reducing the number of swarms produced in the spring breeding areas.

30 April. Extremely serious situation continues in Northwest Africa

21 April. Hatching and band formation in NorthWest Africa


Hatching and band formation are in progress in the spring breeding areas south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria. Swarms are still laying in parts of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco while other swarms crossed into western Libya and laid eggs. Some swarms may be present in southern Tunisia. Late instar bands and new adults are present in the Western Sahara, and hopper bands and swarms continue to form in northern Mauritania. The situation is calmer in the Central Region where low numbers of small hopper bands are present in northern Sudan and on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of resources continue to limit their effectiveness in reducing the number of swarms produced in the spring breeding areas.

21 April. Hatching and band formation in NorthWest Africa

2 April. More swarms in Morocco and Algeria; hatching starts


More swarms have arrived and are laying eggs in the spring breeding areas south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria. Hatching has started in the Draa Valley in Morocco. In the coming weeks, more hatching and band formation will occur there and in Algeria. This will be supplemented by additional swarms from northern Mauritania and the Western Sahara where hopper bands and swarms continue to form. In Niger, hatching and band formation may be in progress in the southern Air Mountains where egg-laying occurred last month. Hatching and band formation is expected in the coming weeks in northern Sudan and southern Egypt where swarms arrived and laid eggs last month. Only localized infestations remain on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of resources continue to limit their effectiveness in reducing the number of swarms that move towards the spring breeding areas.

2 April. More swarms in Morocco and Algeria; hatching starts

16 March. Intensive control operations in Morocco

Intensive aerial and ground control operations, treating up to 20,000 ha/day, are in progress in Morocco against swarms that are laying eggs in the spring breeding areas in the Draa Valley on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains. It is likely that infestations extend into western Algeria. More swarms are expected to arrive in these areas from northern Mauritania and the Western Sahara where swarms are forming. In Niger, adult densities are increasing in the southern Air Mountains where egg-laying and hatching are in progress. Some swarms were seen moving northwards. The situation has reportedly improved in Saudi Arabia where only solitarious and gregarious adults were seen on the Red Sea coastal plains. However, there is no information about the situation in the important spring breeding areas in the interior. A few swarms and adults moved in early March from the Red Sea coast to the interior in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of pesticide in Mauritania continue to limit their effectiveness in reducing the number of swarms that move towards the spring breeding areas.

16 March. Intensive control operations in Morocco

4 March. Spring breeding starts and situation heads toward an upsurge

Widespread hatching continues in northern Mauritania where hopper bands are forming. More swarms have formed in Mauritania and Western Sahara. Many of these moved north last month on very strong winds, reaching the spring breeding areas on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco where they started laying eggs in the Draa Valley. A few adults crossed the Atlas Mountains to the northwestern coast and there were unconfirmed reports of locusts from the Canary and Madeira Islands. More swarms will arrive in the Draa Valley and may spread into Algeria and lay eggs. In Saudi Arabia, swarms are laying eggs on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah and a second generation of hopper bands are forming. Adult groups have penetrated the interior (west of Riyadh) and are laying eggs in the spring breeding areas. In the coming weeks, hatching will commence in the spring breeding areas in both regions. Elsewhere, groups of new adults are forming in the Air Mountains, Niger where breeding is still being reported. Small hopper groups and bands are present on the northern coast of Sudan and adjacent areas on the southeastern coast of Egypt. A swarm was reported in southern Egypt and there were unconfirmed reports from northern Sudan. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of pesticide in Mauritania continue to limit their effectiveness in reducing the number of swarms that move towards the spring breeding areas. There are signs that the situation is moving towards the early stages of an upsurge. International assistance is desperately required.

4 March. Spring breeding starts and situation heads toward an upsurge

21 Febraury. Situation is critical in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia

More swarms are forming in Mauritania, Western Sahara, Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, in Niger. Widespread hatching is also in progress in northern Mauritania and a second generation of breeding has started on the northern Red Sea coastal plains in Saudi Arabia. Mature adult groups have moved into the interior of Saudi Arabia where they are laying eggs. Small infestations of hopper bands are present on the northern coast of Sudan and adjacent areas on the southeastern coast of Egypt. Control operations are in progress in all affected countries but severe shortages of pesticide in Mauritania will limit the effectiveness of these operations in trying to reduce the number of locusts that move towards the spring breeding areas on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria. There remains a low risk that locusts could move into western Iran from the interior of Saudi Arabia.

21 Febraury. Situation is critical in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia

5 Febraury. Situation continues to deteriorate in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia

Despite intensive control efforts during January, the Desert Locust situation continued to deteriorate in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia. Large numbers of hopper bands were present and new swarms were beginning to form in both countries where aerial and ground control are in progress. Control operations also continued in adjacent areas of the western Sahara in Morocco and against smaller infestations in Algeria, Libya and Niger. Swarms could start to move north into the spring breeding areas in Morocco and Algeria in the coming weeks when temperatures warm up. A few hopper bands were reported on the coasts of Sudan and Eritrea. In the last few days, four swarms were reported north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. More will form in the coming days on the northern Red Sea coast and some may move to spring breeding areas in the Saudi interior. There is a low risk that a few swarms may continue to Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and Iran.

5 Febraury. Situation continues to deteriorate in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia

23 January. Situation remains critical in West Africa and Saudi Arabia

The Desert Locust situation continues to be a cause for concern in West and Northwest Africa and in Saudi Arabia. More swarms are forming northern and western Mauritania and perhaps in northern Mali and Niger but on a smaller scale. Ground and aerial control operations are in progress in Mauritania and in adjacent areas of Morocco against hopper bands and newly formed swarms. Morocco and Algeria are providing additional assistance to Mauritania. Many of the hhopper bands present on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. have fledged and, despite aerial and ground control, new swarms are expected to form there this coming week. Most of these swarms are expected to stay on the coast in areas where conditions remain favourable but some may move towards the interior. Limited ground control operations are in progress against hoppers and adults in the Tokar Delta on the Red Sea coast, Sudan. Although control operations are underway in all affected countries, additional assistance is required to reduce locust numbers and prevent a further deterioration of the situation.

23 January. Situation remains critical in West Africa and Saudi Arabia

8 January. Situation deteriorates in West Africa and Saudi Arabia


The Desert Locust situation has deteriorated further and is a cause for concern in West and Northwest Africa and in Saudi Arabia. Large numbers of hopper bands are present in Mauritania and to a lesser extent in Mali, Niger, Morocco and Algeria. Swarms have started to form in Mauritania, Mali and Niger. More swarms are expected in the coming weeks. Most of these are expected to remain in place and slowly mature and lay eggs but a few may move into southern Algeria and Morocco. Large numbers of hopper bands are also present on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. Swarms are expected to form this month, mature and lay eggs on the coastal plains. As some infestations are present in the western interior, there is a risk that swarms could move into the spring breeding areas of the Saudi Arabian interior and threaten Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and western Iran.

8 January. Situation deteriorates in West Africa and Saudi Arabia