Limited breeding is in progress in the winter breeding areas along the Red Sea coast in the Tokar Delta, Sudan and on the northern Tihama coast in Yemen. Small-scale breeding continues in western Mauritania and southern Algeria. Ground control operations have been conducted in both countries against hoppers and adults. Scattered adults are present in a few places in Tamensa, Niger and near two farms in southern Egypt. Control operations against swarms on the Indo-Pakistan border have ended and only low numbers of solitarious adults moved from there to coastal areas in Baluchistan, western Pakistan. These adults will eventually breed if rains fall. Small-scale breeding is expected to commence in the coming weeks in northern Mauritania and Western Sahara where good rains fell in December.

Solitarious adults (blue) moved to western Pakistan from swarm infestations (red) on the Indo-Pakistan border that have now declined. Small-scale breeding (green) is in progress in Mauritania, Algeria, Sudan and Yemen.

Ground control operations against small hopper bands and swarms along the Indo-Pakistan border have declined as adults leave the area. So far, only a few solitarious adults have reached coastal areas in Baluchistan, western Pakistan. Small-scale breeding is in progress in the winter breeding areas along the Red Sea coast in Sudan where low numbers of hoppers and adults are present in the Tokar Delta. Breeding continues in western Mauritania and, to a lesser extent, in southern Algeria. Ground control operations are underway in both countries.

Control operations against swarms (red) along the Indo-Pakistan border as solitarious adults (blue) move to western Pakistan. Small-scale breeding (green) is in progress on the Sudanese Red Sea coast, in Mauritania and in southern Algeria.

Ground control operations have been in progress for the last few months along both sides of the Indo-Pakistan border. Currently, small hopper bands and swarms are present mainly on the Indian side between Jaisalmer and Bikaner in a limited area between the Rajasthan Canal and the Pakistani border. In the coming weeks, a few small swarms are expected to leave this area and primarily move west to Pakistan but a few could move east towards Delhi or south towards Gujarat. In the past few days, a few swarms were seen near Nagaur in eastern Rajasthan. Elsewhere, small-scale breeding has started on the Red Sea coastal plains in Sudan and Eritrea, and breeding continues in northwest Mauritania.

TREE LOCUST. Infestations of Tree Locust are present in the Afar Region in Ethiopia where they have been reported on Acacia trees along the escarpment and in the Awash Valley between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.

Control operations continue against hopper bands (orange) along the Indo-Pakistan border. Small-scale breeding continues in Mauritania and Algeria where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present. In Sudan, a swarm (red) was seen in Darfur and adults (blue) are on the Red Sea coast.

A small immature swarm was seen in West Darfur, Sudan in early November but since then there have been no further reports. There is a risk that a few more small swarms could form and move towards the winter breeding areas along both sides of the Red Sea where, so far, only scattered adults are present on the Sudanese coast. Intensive surveys are underway along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia to clarify reports of a swarm last month and recent sightings of locusts near Taif. In West Africa, the situation remains calm. Small-scale breeding by scattered adults continues in western Mauritania and parts of southeast Algeria. Although ecological conditions are improving in northern Mauritania, so far only isolated adults have been seen near Bir Moghrein. A biopesticide trial was conducted against scattered adults near Arlit, Niger. Ground control operations continue against hopper bands along the Indo-Pakistan border.

Control operations continue against hopper bands (orange) along the Indo-Pakistan border. Small-scale breeding continues in Mauritania and Algeria where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present. In Sudan, a swarm (red) was seen in Darfur and adults (blue) are on the Red Sea coast.

Small hopper bands and groups of adults including a few swarmlets are forming in one area along the Indo-Pakistan border. Any locusts that escape current control operations could form a few small swarms that are likely to move towards the Indus Valley. Only isolated adults have appeared so far in the winter breeding areas along the Red Sea coasts in Sudan and Yemen. There was an unconfirmed report of an immature swarm in downtown Rabigh on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 31 October but no traces of this swarm or other locusts have been found since then. If confirmed, the swarm may have originated from western Sudan although it is unlikely that it moved nearly 2,000 km without being seen. Small-scale breeding continues in a few places in western Mauritania, northern Mali and Niger, and southeast Algeria. Limited control operations were carried out in Algeria and Niger. Locusts are expected to increase in northwest and northern Mauritania and in adjacent areas of Western Sahara where good rains fell in early October. Intense vigilance is required in these areas.

Control operations are in progress against hopper bands (yellow) and swarmlets (red) in western India. Small-scale breeding continues in Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Algeria and Yemen where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present. No trace could be found of an immature swarm (red) that was reported on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.

The Desert Locust situation remains calm in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel in West Africa. Local breeding is in progress in western Mauritania (Tagant and Brakna), northern Mali (Timetrine and Tamesna), northern Niger (Tamesna and Air) and in southern Algeria (east of Tamanrasset where 3,500 ha were treated during the first week of October). However, locust numbers remain low and generally insignificant in these areas. Isolated adults are also present in northeast Chad. Summer rains have ended in most places in the Sahel and vegetation is drying out but good rains fell in northern Mauritania in early October. Survey operations are hampered in Darfur, Sudan due to insecurity. In Yemen, local breeding is in progress on the coast near Aden and a few adults are present on the Red Sea coastal plains. In India, small groups of adults and early instar hoppers as well as a few small hopper bands are present in one area of Rajasthan between Jaisalmer and the Pakistan border. Ground control teams have treated 2,000 ha so far this month. Locust numbers are increasing in adjacent areas of Pakistan.

Control operations are in progress against hopper bands (yellow) in western India. Small-scale breeding is underway in Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Algeria and Yemen where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present. Good rains (red) fell in northern Mauritania in early October.

The Desert Locust situation is generally calm in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel in West Africa. Nevertheless, locust numbers are increasing slightly as a result of small-scale breeding that is in progress in western Mauritania and in the Tamesna and western Air Mountains in Niger. Nevertheless, hopper and adult numbers remain below threatening levels in both countries. Low numbers of adults are also present in northern Mali and central Chad. Intensive ground and aerial surveys will continue to the end of October in the four countries in order to detect any signs of increasing locust numbers. Control operations were carried out in southern Algeria and southwest Libya. In Sudan, ground control operations continue against small hopper bands in Northern Darfur. Small-scale breeding continues in the interior of Yemen where small patches of hoppers are present, and solitarious adults are scattered on the Red Sea coast. Good rains continue to fall in both areas so vigilence is required in the coming weeks. In Southwest Asia, limited control operations are underway in the summer breeding areas on both sides of the Indo-Pakistan border.

In the past week, there have been several reports in the media about swarms in Niger near the Mali border and other infestations in northern Nigeria. It has been confirmed that there are no swarms in Niger, and the infestations in Nigeria are not Desert Locust.

Small hopper bands (yellow) are present in Darfur, Sudan. Small-scale breeding is underway in northwest Mauritania, Niger, and Yemen where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present. Control operations treated small-scale breeding in southern Algeria, southwest Libya and in India. Scattered adults are present in northern Mali and eastern Pakistan.

The Desert Locust situation is generally calm in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel in West Africa. Nevertheless, locust numbers are increasing slightly as a result of small-scale breeding that is in progress between Tidjikja and Akjoujt in northwest Mauritania and in the Tamesna and western Air Mountains in Niger. In both countries, scattered adults and hoppers are present and intensive surveys must continue in order to detect any signs of increasing locust numbers. In Sudan, ground control operations continue against small hopper bands near El Fasher in Northern Darfur. In Eritrea, limited control operations are treating hoppers and adults on the northern coast of the Red Sea. Small-scale breeding is in progress in the interior of Yemen where small patches of hoppers are present, and solitarious adults are scattered on the Red Sea coast. Good rains continue to fall in both areas so vigilence is required in the coming weeks.

Small hopper bands (yellow) are present in Darfur, Sudan. Small-scale breeding is underway in northwest Mauritania, Niger, Eritrea and Yemen where hoppers (green) and solitarious adults (blue) are present.

The Desert Locust situation is generally calm in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel in West Africa. Despite unusually good rainfall and ecological conditions, only isolated adults have been detected by intensive surveys in Mauritania, Mali and Niger. Scattered adults were seen recently in southwest Libya near Ghat. Previous infestations of hopper bands along both sides of the Chad / Sudan border have declined although there remains a low risk that a few small adult groups or swarms could form in eastern Chad and Darfur, Sudan. Infestations have also reportedly declined on the Red Sea coastal plains in Eritrea. Nevertheless, intensive surveys must be maintained in all countries during September and October in order to detect any signs that locust numbers might be increasing.

Hopper bands (yellow) are present in eastern Chad and western Sudan as well as on the Red Sea coast in Eritrea. A small swarm (red) has formed near Abeche, Chad. Solitarious adults (blue) are scattered in the Sahel. Local breeding (green) is in progress in Yemen.

The locust situation continues to be serious in western Sudan where hopper bands and groups of immature adults are present in Darfur. Although survey and control operations are in progress, many areas cannot be accessed. In Eritrea, small groups of hoppers have formed on the Red Sea coast near the border with Sudan where local breeding occurred after unusually good rainfall and control operations are now underway. Control operations were also carried out recently against hopper infestations in western Tigray province in northern Ethiopia. Scattered adults are breeding in the interior in Yemen. The situation is calmer in West Africa where only low numbers of immature and mature solitarious adults are present in parts of southern Mauritania, northern Mali and Niger. Although ecological conditions are unusually favourable for breeding within a large portion of the northern Sahel, no hoppers have been found so far. Nevertheless, intensive surveys must continue in order to detect any signs that locust numbers might be increasing. On the other hand, local breeding has occurred in southern Algeria west of Tamanrasset where scattered late instar hoppers and immature adults were treated. Breeding is in progress and scattered adults are present in Kanem, Batha and Wadi Fira regions in Chad. So far, one small swarm has formed near Abeche.

Hopper bands (yellow) are present in eastern Chad and western Sudan as well as on the Red Sea coast in Eritrea. A small swarm (red) has formed near Abeche, Chad. Solitarious adults (blue) are scattered in the Sahel. Local breeding (green) is in progress in Yemen.

Hopper bands have formed from recent hatching in eastern Chad and in adjacent areas of western and northern Darfur, Sudan. The extent of the populations is not well known because of the difficulty to access infested areas. This, and widepsread rains that recently fell, could lead to the development of a local outbreak. So far, only limited control has been possible. The situation is calmer elsewhere in the Sahel where only scattered adults are present. In northern Ethiopia, a few small hopper bands were treated in mid-July and no locusts have been reported since. Isolated adults are present in the summer breeding areas in the interior in Yemen and in Rajasthan, India.

Hopper bands (red) have formed in eastern Chad and western Sudan. There is a risk that an outbreak could develop (green shaded area). Scattered adults (blue) are present in summer breeding areas in northern Mali and Niger.

Small hopper bands have formed from recent hatching in Western and Northern Darfur, Sudan. More hatching and band formation are expected in other summer breeding areas in the country. Surveys are underway to monitor the evolving situation. One swarm that moved east across Sudan apparently reached northern Ethiopia where it dispersed in Amhara and Tigray provinces. Small-scale breeding continues in central Niger and scattered mature solitarious adults have recently appeared in summer breeding areas in southeast Mauritania, northern Mali and Tamesna, Niger. Scattered adults are also present in northeast Somalia. Intensive surveys should be maintained on a regular basis throughout the summer.

Bands (yellow) are forming in Sudan and Niger. Several swarms (red) moved east across Sudan. Scattered adults (blue) increased in summer breeding areas in Mauritania, Mali and Niger.

On 12-16 June, several immature and mature Southern Circuit swarms left western Darfur where it is still dry and moved east across central Sudan, first appearing in western and northern Kordofan, then crossing the Nile River and reaching the Gedaref area. There is a chance that a few swarms may have already reached or will shortly appear in the western lowlands in Eritrea. Intensive surveys are required in both countries. In West Africa, early rains continue to fall in parts of the Sahel. Small-scale breeding and control operations are underway near Tanout, Niger. Adult groups and perhaps a few small swarms are present in northenr Mali. Locust infestations have declined further in Northwest Africa.

Several swarms moved east across Sudan to nearly Eritrea. Small-scale breeding and control operations continue in central Niger.

New information indicates that immature adults are present in northern Mail and there was an unconfirmed report from nomads of two mature swarms near the Algerian border moving southwards. Ground control operations continue in central Niger near Tanout against first and second instar hopper groups and small bands. Limited control continues against small late instar hopper bands in northeast Morocco near Oujda. No Desert Locusts were reported elsewhere in West and Northwest Africa. In Sudan, a few mature swarms started to lay eggs in northern Darfur, Sudan and there were reports of other swarms moving in the region. Regular and intensive survey efforts are required in the summer breeding areas in the Sahel of West Africa and Sudan during the coming months.

Small-scale breeding is in progress in Niger. A few swarms are laying eggs in western Sudan. Locusts are present in northern Mali.

Five immature swarms appeared near Geneina in western Darfur, Sudan on 25 May. They were seen flying from the west towards the east, suggesting that these are probably the same swarms that were reported earlier in the month in southern Niger and western Chad. They are likely to have moved across Chad on winds associated with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone - the so-called Southern Circuit migration. As conditions are still dry and rains have just started in western Darfur, these swarms could move further east to Northern Kordofan and the Nile River, perhaps reaching Kassala and the western lowlands in Eritrea. In Saudi Arabia, control operations continue against late instar hopper bands. Those infestations that are not treated could form a few small adult groups in the coming weeks that would eventually move to Sudan. Local breeding and band formation continues in the Tanout region in central Niger. Local breeding is also underway in southern Algeria near Tamanrasset and could be in progress in northern Mali. Ground control operations continue against a few late instar hopper bands and new adults in northeast Algeria near El Oued. Regular and intensive survey efforts are required in Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad during the coming months.

Local populations of adults recently laid eggs in the Tanout region in central Niger that have started to hatch and hoppers are forming small bands. Ground control operations are underway. Earlier in May, several immature swarms moved along the Southern Circuit from Burkina Faso through southern Niger and may have reached western Chad. Since then, there have been no further reports of swarms. Although no other locusts have been reported in West Africa, small infestations are probably present in northern Mali. Limited breeding is coming to an end in northeast Algeria near El Oued where many of the hoppers are fledging. Consequently, small groups of adults could form there in the coming weeks and start to move towards the Sahel. Small patches of mid-instar hoppers persist in northeast Morocco near Oujda. Ground control operations are in progress in both countries. No further reports have been received from Saudi Arabia where hopper bands were present on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah last month. Regular and intensive survey efforts are required in Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad during the coming months.

Small hopper bands are forming on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia north of Jeddah near Masturah where several swarms arrived last month from infestations along the border of Sudan and Egypt and laid eggs. Survey and control operations are in progress. Low numbers of adults are present in the Nile Valley in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. In Northwest Africa, limited breeding continues in the northeastern Sahara in Algeria between El Oued and Biskra where hoppers have reached the fourth instar. Survey and control operations are in progress including a bio-pesiticide trial. So far in Morocco, hatching has occurred in only one small area in the northeast near Oujda. Small infestations are present in northern Mali and probably as well in the Air Mountains in Niger. There were several reports last month of immature swarms, perhaps the same swarm being seen more than once, moving from southwest Mali to northern Burkina Faso. These swarms persisted during the winter in Guinea and are now moving along the Southern Circuit to northeast Mali. They are not expected to mature and lay eggs now nor pose a significant threat. Very few locusts were seen in the spring breeding areas of Baluchistan in western Pakistan and southeast Iran during a joint survey that recently concluded.

Spring breeding is in progress in Northwest Africa but so far it has been limited to just a few places in the northeastern Sahara in Algeria near the Tunisian border where small infestations of early instar hopper patches are present. Eggs that were laid last month in northeast Morocco have not hatched yet. Unless good rains fall and substantial hatching occurs in the coming weeks, swarms are not expected to form in Northwest Africa this spring nor threaten the Sahel in West Africa this summer. Currently in the Sahel, at least one small immature swarm has moved from the central highlands in Guinea to southwest Mali. A few more could follow and appear in adjacent areas of Burkina Faso where they will move towards northern Mali, join scattered adults that are already present and eventually mature. In northeast Sudan, locust infestations have declined because of control operations and adults moving inland to the Nile Valley in northern Sudan and perhaps across the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. A few infestations still remain near the coast in southeast Egypt. A joint Iran/Pakistan survey is in progress in the spring breeding areas of Baluchistan in western Pakistan and southeast Iran where unusually heavy rains fell for the second consecutive month. There is a risk that populations could dramatically increase in this area during the spring.

Limited breeding is in progress in a few places in the northeastern Sahara in Algeria near the Tunisian border and in northeast Morocco near the Algerian border. Hatching has occurred near Biskra, Algeria where first and second instar hoppers are present. More hatching and band formation will occur in other places along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains between Morocco and Tunisia but it will be on substantially smaller scale than in 2004. No invasions of Northwest Africa will occur this spring. Several immature swarms are present in areas of recent breeding near the Red Sea coast on both sides of the border in Egypt and Sudan and control operations are in progress. Some adults have moved towards the Nile Valley. A few immature swarms from last summer persist in Guinea and perhaps in southern Senegal. Smaller infestations are likely to be present in parts of northern Mali and Niger. Low numbers of adults are present in the spring breeding areas in western Pakistan where unusually heavy rains fell for the second consecutive month. There is a risk that populations could dramatically increase in this area during the spring.

A few immature swarms have formed in the past few days in Northeast Sudan near the Red Sea and the border of Egypt. Several more swarms are expected to form on both sides of the border where hopper bands are currently present. Some of these swarms could cross the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia while others could move further inland in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. In Algeria, egg-laying is in progress in El Oued province in the northeastern Sahara. Although laying may also occur elsewhere along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains from Morocco to Tunisia, it will be on substantially smaller scale than in 2004. Furthermore, Northwest Africa will not be invaded this spring because of failed winter rains and breeding in Mauritania. In West Africa, a few immature swarms persist in Guinea and probably in southwest Senegal; a swarm reached the Sierra Leone border.

In Northwest Africa, Desert Locust swarms have become mature and started to lay eggs in the northern Sahara of Algeria in the El Oued province near the Tunisian border on 5 March. The eggs are expected to hatch during the first week of April and hopper bands should form shortly thereafter and eventually form new swarms from the last week of May onwards. Aerial and ground control operations continue to decline in Algeria. In the coming weeks, breeding will start in other areas along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and, to a lesser extent, in Morocco, but it will be on a much smaller scale than 2004. As locusts are not present in Mauritania and winter breeding has failed in the north, Northwest Africa will not be invaded this spring. In West Africa, a few immature swarms persist in Guinea and probably in southwest Senegal; a swarm reached the Sierra Leone border. In northeast Africa, ground control operations are in progress against numerous small hopper patches and bands that continue to develop in northeast Sudan near the Red Sea and the Egyptian border. Many hoppers have reached their last stage before becoming adults. In southwest Asia, scattered adults are present in western Pakistan where unusually heavy rain fell last month that could lead to a significant increase of locusts during the spring.

The Desert Locust situation continues to improve in Northwest Africa. Despite intensive control operations that are in progress against immature swarms mainly in Algeria and to a much lesser extent in Morocco, breeding will occur along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains from March to May, primarily in Algeria, but it will be on a much smaller scale than 2004. As locusts are not present in Mauritania and winter breeding has failed in the north, Northwest Africa will not be invaded this spring. Already some adults have matured and are copulating in the northern Algerian Sahara. If laying occurs, hatching is likely in early April and bands will form during April and May. Infestations that are not controlled will form swarms in June that could subsequently migrate to the Sahel in West Africa. It is essential that intensive survey and control operations are maintained in Northwest Africa. Meanwhile, Sahelian countries should prepare themselves for any swarms that could arrive from Northwest Africa in June and July. A few immature swarms that are present in southwest Senegal and in Guinea will eventually move to central Mali from about late March onwards. Control operations are in progress against small bands along the Egypt/Sudan border near the Red Sea. A few small swarms may form and cross the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. Local breeding is underway on the coast in northern Somalia. Unusually heavy rain fell last month in western Pakistan that could lead to a significant increase of locusts there during the spring.

The Desert Locust situation continues to improve in Northwest Africa where control operations are in progress against immature swarms mainly in Algeria and to a much lesser extent in Morocco. Smaller infestations are probably present in Tunisia. Unusually cold weather continues to delay locust maturation. As locusts are not present in Mauritania and winter breeding has failed in the north, a swarm invasion of Northwest Africa is not expected this spring. Nevertheless, breeding will occur during the spring along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains and, consequently, survey and control operations must be maintained. Control operations are in progress against a few immature swarms in southern Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Guinea. Recently, a few swarms reached the coast of Guinea near Conakry and crop damage has been reported. Small-scale breeding is in progress and hopper bands continue to form on the Red Sea coast in northeast Sudan and in adjacent areas of southeast Egypt. The situation requires intensive monitoring and appropriate control measures should be taken.

Desert Locust infestations in Morocco and Algeria continue to decline due to control operations and unusually cold weather in the past few weeks. Nevertheless, immature swarms persist in many spring breeding areas along the southern side of the Atlas Mountains in both countries and probably to a lesser extent in Tunisia. Immature swarms are also present in southern Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Guinea. Recently, a few swarms have moved south and east in Guinea. Some swarms may also be present in in parts of Gambia. Although the situation is expected to continue to improve in Northwest Africa and a large-scale swarm invasion is not likley this spring, survey and control operations must be maintained. Small-scale breeding is in progress and hopper bands are forming on the Red Sea coast in northeast Sudan and in adjacent areas of southeast Egypt. The situation requires intensive monitoring and appropriate control measures should be taken.

In the past week, Desert Locust control operations have declined by about 50% in Morocco and 20% in Algeria. Immature swarms persist in northeast Morocco and in some inaccessible valleys in the Atlas Mountains. Similar populations are present in northern Algeria. Control operations have ended in Mauritania where only one immature swarm was seen earlier this month on the coast north of Nouakchott and scattered adults were present in the south near Kaedi. Limited control operations continue against a few immature swarms in parts of Gambia and southern Senegal. Control operations are being organized to treat small infestations of immature swarms in Guinea Bissau and northwest Guinea. Breeding is unlikely to occur in either country because adults are expected to remain immature. So far, there has not been any significant breeding in winter areas along the Red Sea coast except in northeast Sudan where several swarms were seen copulating south of the Egyptian border in Wadi Diib. Insignificant numbers of locusts are present in Tokar Delta, Sudan and on the Red Sea coastal plains near the Yemen / Saudi Arabia border.

Some immature Desert Locust swarms persist in parts of Gambia, in southern Senegal, in northern, central and eastern Guinea Bissau, and probably small populations are present in neighbouring areas of northern Guinea. 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. In the past few days, there has been a slight decline in operations in both countries. The situation is improving in Mauritania where the number of swarms in the south have decreased recently. Aerial control operations were undertaken against two mature swarms that were laying eggs in northeast Sudan near the Egyptian border and the Red Sea coastal hills. Scattered locusts continue to be present in adjacent areas in southeast Egypt.