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 May 2011, Forecast until mid-July 2011
The situation further deteriorated in Central Asian countries after hatching of the Italian and Migratory locusts. In Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and probably Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, Moroccan Locust (DMA) fledging occurred while hopper development continued in Kyrgyzstan. Italian Locust (CIT) hopper bands formed in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia and...
General Situation during April 2011, Forecast until mid-June 2011
The locust situation started deteriorating from early April in southern Central Asian countries while it remained calm in Caucasian ones. In Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and probably Turkmenistan, Moroccan Locust (DMA) hopper development was in progress and more than 607,000 ha were treated up to mid-May. Natural vegetation was...
General Situation during March 2011, Forecast until mid-November 2011
The locust situation was calm in March in almost all CCA countries where weather conditions were not yet suitable for hatching. In Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and probably Turkmenistan, Moroccan Locust (DMA) hoppers appeared from mid-March onwards. No control operations were carried out during the month. Natural vegetation is growing...
General Situation during September 2010, Forecast until mid-November 2010
The locust situation was calm in September in all CCA countries for the second consecutive month due to the completion of the life cycles of the three main locust pests. No control operations were carried out, except in Armenia in early September. In the countries where...
General Situation during August 2010 Forecast until mid-October 2010
The situation continued to be calm in August in all CCA countries with life cycles of the three main locust pests almost completed. Areas treated in August amounted less than 6,000 ha, which represents one tenth of the area treated in July. For the first time...