Desert Locust Bulletin Highlights Ongoing Outbreaks in Northwest Africa

Desert Locust outbreaks persist in parts of Northwest Africa with increased breeding. Forecasts suggest continued breeding activity in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, with migration south expected by early June. Control efforts have increased significantly, reflecting the urgency of the situation amid ongoing outbreaks.

Desert Locust Bulletin 559, released on May 7, 2025, highlights ongoing Desert Locust outbreaks notably in the Western Region of Africa. April witnessed a noticeable uptick in adult groups and a few small swarms, which migrated northward across the Sahara, particularly between Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Meanwhile, additional locust activity was reported in Morocco, northern Chad, and Niger, where spring breeding efforts have culminated in a new wave of hoppers, creating groups and bands needing monitoring.

In the Central Region, locust numbers decreased along both banks of the Red Sea. However, some adult groups and swarms remain active in southern Egypt and northern Sudan. There, hopper groups and bands are forming, with new laying activity observed in parts of Saudi Arabia’s interior as well. These developments indicate a mixed scenario where some areas are thriving while others face challenges.

As for predictions, the forecast indicates that spring breeding will persist in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. The emergence of new adult groups and some small swarms is likely in May. Following this, these swarms may begin a southern migration toward the Sahel, especially with expected rainfall starting in early June. Additionally, small-scale breeding is anticipated in northern Sudan and southern Egypt along the Nile Valley, with new adults potentially seeking summer breeding grounds as early as June.

In Saudi Arabia’s interior, limited breeding activity is expected to continue, with new adults showing up from early June, indicating consistent monitoring and control operations are still needed across impacted regions. The control activities have notably increased, with efforts doubling from March to April – from 17,962 hectares to 34,436 hectares – illustrating the heightened necessity to manage these outbreaks effectively. Importantly, the Eastern Region appears stable, with no major changes anticipated in the immediate future.

The Desert Locust Bulletin 559 underscores the persistence of locust outbreaks in the influenced regions of Africa. The situation remains dynamic with ongoing breeding, requiring vigilant control operations to mitigate potential threats. Anticipated rainfalls could facilitate further migrations, emphasizing the need for timely interventions to manage this agricultural threat effectively. The rising control efforts signify a recognition of the increasing severity of the issue, particularly in the Western Region.

Original Source: reliefweb.int