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

General situation during June 2024, Forecast for July 2024 

Moroccan Locust (DMA) lifecycle was close to its end in most parts of Central Asia (CA); mating and egglaying continued in some parts as well as in the Caucasus. Italian Locust (CIT) fledging and mating started in CA while hopper development continued in Caucasus and the Russian Federation. Migratory Locust (LMI) hatching and hopper development continued in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. In the forecast period, DMA die-off will be completed everywhere while CIT hopper development will continue in the Caucasus, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. LMI hatching is expected in northern Kazakhstan and hopper development followed by fledging will continue in its other regions and in the Russian Federation. The total treated area against all locust species reached 2 970 313 hectares (ha) in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) since the start of the campaign, which is about 43% higher as compared to 2023 (2 077 205 ha at the same period). This is due to an increase of infestations that occurred mainly in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation. In the other countries, infestations deviated only slightly from last year's levels, except for Georgia where they decreased by 58%. 

Regional monthly bulletins on locusts

General situation during August 2023 Forecast for September 2023
While the locust campaign is approaching the end, the situation was still classified as caution for Moroccan (DMA), Italian (CIT) and Asian Migratory Locusts (LMI) in the Russian Federation, for LMI in Kazakhstan and CIT in Kyrgyzstan. It was calm in other countries and for...
General Situation during July 2023 Forecast for August 2023
Moroccan Locust (DMA) natural cycle completed in all Caucasus and Central Asian (CCA) countries while mating and egg-laying continued in the Russian Federation. The Italian Locust (CIT) and the Asian Migratory Locust (LMI) started mating and egg-laying in CCA. The situation with DMA was considered dangerous only...
General Situation during June 2023 Forecast for July 2023
Moroccan Locust (DMA) lifecycle came to an end in most parts of Central Asia (CA); fledging, mating and egg-laying continued in some parts as well as in Caucasus. Due to increased number of DMA populations and large spread of adults in the south of the Russian Federation, the situation there...
General Situation during May 2023 Forecast for June 2023
Moroccan Locust (DMA) fledging, mating and egglaying started in most areas of Central Asia (CA), with swarm flights, including across borders, reported in southern parts. The situation was critical in Afghanistan and Tajikistan in...
General Situation during April 2023 Forecast for May 2023
Moroccan Locust (DMA) hatching and hopper development was in progress in all Central Asian (CA) countries as well as in Azerbaijan and in Georgia. Critical situation in several north and north-east provinces of Afghanistan and south of Tajikistan was reported. Italian Locust (CIT) hatching had been recorded only in southern...