Desert Locust Bulletin 557: Ongoing Outbreaks and Forecasted Breeding Activities
Desert Locust outbreaks continue in northern Sudan and southern Sahara, with primary populations in the Nile Valley and active breeding expected. Control efforts have decreased but remain crucial as locust numbers are projected to rise in several regions, particularly Algeria and Libya. The FAO/DLIS aims to monitor and provide updates on this evolving situation.
The Desert Locust Bulletin 557, dated March 5, 2025, reports ongoing Desert Locust outbreaks in northern Sudan and the southern Sahara throughout February. Despite a decline in locust populations along the Red Sea coast from Eritrea to Egypt during the winter, adult groups and swarms remained active in the Nile Valley of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. In Saudi Arabia, new hopper groups and bands formed along the northern coast, while Algeria saw an increase in copulating adults and early instar hoppers. Some adults migrated southeast, with persistent groups in Niger and sightings of small swarms in northern Chad. Isolated adults were also noted in Morocco, although control operations diminished in scope compared to January.
The forecast indicates the onset of spring breeding primarily in the Nile Valley regions of northern Sudan and southern Egypt, where adult groups and swarms will gather, specifically around irrigated crops. Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, locusts are expected to migrate from the Red Sea coast to the interior for spring breeding. It is projected that locust numbers will rise in Algeria and Libya throughout March and April due to active laying, hatching, and formation of new hopper groups and bands. Some locusts may persist in northern Niger and Chad, while small-scale breeding is anticipated in Morocco, necessitating continued control operations in these areas. No significant changes are expected in the Eastern Region.
In summary, the Desert Locust situation remains critical with persistent outbreaks in northern Sudan and the southern Sahara. Forecasts predict increased breeding activity in northern Sudan, southern Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Libya, prompting the need for ongoing control efforts. The FAO/DLIS will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure timely updates and alerts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
