Locust Watch
Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia

No. 98 August 2024

Published: 27/08/2024

Moroccan Locust (DMA) natural cycle completed in Azerbaijan and in all Central Asian (CA) countries while mating and egg-laying continued in Georgia and the Russian Federation. Italian Locust (CIT) started fledging and mating in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA). Asian Migratory Locust (LMI) fledging and mating started in most parts of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation, while its hopper development continued in Kostanay region of Kazakhstan. The situation with DMA was considered caution in the North Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation and in Georgia. Similar caution was considered for CIT in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, as well as for CIT and LMI in Kazakhstan. A threat situation was mentioned in the Russian Federation as the movements of swarms of these two species, which started in some parts, could further threaten the crops. The situation became calm for other species and elsewhere. Countries continued summer surveys of adults and egg-laying sites. Overall, 1  117 352 hectares (ha) were treated in July, for a total of 4 087 435 ha since the start of campaign in CCA, which is 58% higher than in 2023 at the same period (2  590 326 ha). In the forecasted period, DMA life cycle will be completed in all areas, as well as for CIT in Caucasus and in the southern part of CA. CIT and LMI mating and egg-laying will continue in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.