Locust Watch
Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia

No. 91 August 2023

Published: 17/08/2023

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 in the north Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation. It was classified as caution for CIT in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, as well as for CIT and LMI in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. It became calm for other species orin the other countries. Summer surveys of adults and egg-laying sites continued in all countries. Control operations in July covered 513  121  hectares (ha) in CCA and in total 2 590 326 ha since the beginning of the 2023 campaign, which is 37% higher than during thelast two campaigns (1 891 926 ha in 2022 and 1 898 300 ha in 2021). During the forecast period, DMA life cycle will be completed in the Russian Federation and CIT life cycle will come to an end in Caucasus, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. CIT and LMI mating and egg-laying will continue in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.