Locust Watch
Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia
Moroccan Locust (DMA), Tajikistan 2008 ©FAO/A. Monard

General situation during May 2024, Forecast for June 2024 

Moroccan Locust (DMA) fledging and mating started in all Central Asia (CA) as well as egg-laying mainly in the southern parts. DMA hopper development continued in Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Russian Federation. The DMA situation was classified as cautious in most countries where it is present, but as dangerous in Kyrgyzstan due to outbreaks in some southern districts. Around mid-May, swarm flights, including across borders, were reported by Afghanistan and Tajikistan, where additional control operations were carried out. Italian Locust (CIT) hatching started and hopper development continued in most Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) countries. Migratory Locust (LMI) hatching was reported in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. During the forecast period, the DMA lifecycle will come to an end in CA, but mating and egg-laying will happen in Caucasus and the Russian Federation. CIT hopper development will continue in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and northern regions of Kazakhstan. CIT fledging will occur in other regions of Kazakhstan, and also in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. LMI hopper development will continue in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. In total, 1 049 172 hectares (ha) have been treated in CCA from the beginning of the 2024 campaign until the end of May, which is 35 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023 (778 220 ha). 

Regional monthly bulletins on locusts

General Situation during April 2016 Forecast until mid-June 2016
Moroccan Locust (DMA) hopper development was in progress in Azerbaijan and in all Central Asian (CA) countries, except in Turkmenistan where fledging had already occurred. Italian Locust (CIT) hatching started in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. So far, no Asian Migratory Locust (LMI) hatching was reported. During the forecast period,...
General Situation during March 2016 Forecast until mid-May 2016
Moroccan Locust (DMA) hatching started up to one month earlier than usual in at least three Central Asian countries, namely Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan –and probably also in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan- following warm winter and early spring. During the forecast period, DMA hopper development will continue in these countries...
General Situation during September 2015 Forecast until early 2016
In September, the locust situation was calm in all Caucasian and Central Asian countries as the life cycle of the three pests was coming to an end or already completed. Italian Locust (CIT) mating and egg-laying were still observed in Armenia and ended in Kazakhstan. No control operations were carried...
General Situation during August 2015 Forecast until mid-October 2015
In August, Moroccan Locust (DMA) life cycle came to an end in Central Asian countries as well as in Azerbaijan. Italian Locust (CIT) mating occurred in Armenia while adults were disappearing in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. CIT egg-laying was in progress in Georgia as well...
General Situation during July 2015 Forecast until mid-September 2015
In July, Moroccan Locust (DMA) adults only were present in Central Asian countries as well as in Azerbaijan. Limited control operations were carried out (on less than 10 000 ha) and egg-laying surveys were in progress. Italian Locust (CIT) hopper development was in progress in Armenia while fledging occurred almost everywhere in...