Monitoring locust populations at key periods of their development is fundamental to knowing importance, development stage and phase of the locust populations. It permits an early detection of changes in locust behaviour, appearance, number and density and as such is crucial to anticipate population increase and outbreak and allows early warning and early reaction if infestations or gregarizing populations are observed. Locust monitoring is ensured by survey operations, during which a wide range of field data is collected. Such field data concern locusts and their habitats; they are transmitted and have to be analyzed, taking into account information on weather, climate and vegetation as well as available information on past locust situations.

CCA countries perform ground surveys at one to four key periods of the locust development to monitor locust populations. Collection of standardized accurate field data being essential for monitoring and decision on locust control as well as for regional exchange of information, a standard Locust Survey Form was adopted by CCA countries, which agreed to use it at the national level.

This form is now used for field digital data collection through the Automated System for Data Collection (ASDC), which feeds the Geographical Information System (GIS) entitled Caucasus and Central Asia Locust Management System (CCALM).

Regular exchange of information at the regional level is then ensured through the preparation of monthly national bulletins by CCA countries, based on the template approved under the FAO Locust Programme in CCA, which in turn allows FAO to prepare and issue monthly regional bulletins during the locust campaigns.

A specific mention should be made of the joint or cross-border surveys, during which locust experts from neighbouring countries jointly collect field data and evaluate the locust situation in border areas. Such surveys are extremely valuable to enhance knowledge on locust behaviour and habitats and result in better understanding of back and forth movements of locust flights and swarms across borders and identification of specific flight corridors; have a positive impact on the harmonization of practices and techniques at regional level; contribute to the development of regional cooperation between countries and building up of regional network of technical experts; and play a very important role in reducing tensions and finger pointing regarding the sources of locust invasions. 

The FAO Locust Programme in CCA has paid a key attention on this topic, which is crucial for the effective implementation of the locust preventive control strategy. More specifically, it aims at contributing to better anticipating and mitigating locust issues thanks to:

• More accurate locust monitoring.
• Enhanced analysis, forecast and reporting capacities, including with digital data collection and use of the locust GIS CCALM by all countries, and
• Increased preparedness.