Locust Watch
Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia

No. 90 July 2023

Published: 18/07/2023

Moroccan Locust (DMA) lifecycle came to an end in most parts of Central Asia (CA); fledging, mating and egg-laying continued in some parts as well as in Caucasus. Due to increased number of DMA populations and large spread of adults in the south of the Russian Federation, the situation there was considered as dangerous. Italian Locust (CIT) fledging started in CA and its hopper development continued in Caucasus and the Russian Federation. Migratory Locust (LMI) hatching and hopper development continued in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. In the forecast period, DMA lifecycle will come to an end everywhere while CIT hopper development will continue in Caucasus, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. LMI hopper development will continue in northern and western regions of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation while fledging will occur in other regions. Since the start of the campaign and till the end of the reporting period, a total of 2 077 205 hectares (ha) have been treated in all Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA), which is about 30% higher as compared to 2022 (1  478 345 ha at the same period). This is due to an increase of infestations in CA while they are decreasing in Caucasus.