Desert Locust outbreaks continue in northern Sudan and the southern Sahara, with adult groups and swarms active in the Nile Valley and new hopper formations in Saudi Arabia. Control operations declined in February, and spring breeding is foreseen in northern Sudan, southern Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, with increasing numbers projected in Algeria and Libya. Monitoring by FAO/DLIS will persist.
In February 2025, Desert Locust outbreaks persisted primarily in northern Sudan and the southern Sahara. Although locust populations diminished during the winter along the Red Sea coast from Eritrea to Egypt, adult groups and swarms remained prominent in the Nile Valley of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. New hopper groups and bands emerged along the northern coastline of Saudi Arabia, while copulating adults, along with hatching and early instar hoppers, increased in Algeria. Groups of adults also remained in Niger and appeared in southern Libya, with small swarms observed in northern Chad and isolated adults in Morocco. Control measures, however, decreased compared to January.
The forecast indicates that spring breeding is likely to begin among adult groups and swarms near irrigated regions along the Nile Valley in northern Sudan and southern Egypt, as well as coastal regions. In Saudi Arabia, locusts are projected to migrate from the Red Sea coast to inland areas for spring breeding. An increase in locust numbers is anticipated in Algeria and Libya due to ongoing laying, hatching, and the emergence of hopper groups and bands. Some locusts are expected to persist in northern Niger and Chad, with small-scale breeding projected in Morocco. Consequently, control operations will continue to be necessary in these areas, whereas no significant changes are expected in the Eastern Region.
The ongoing Desert Locust situation requires vigilant monitoring and control measures. As outbreaks persist in various regions, especially in northern Sudan and the southern Sahara, effective management efforts are essential. The forecast suggests potential increases in locust populations in Algeria and Libya, necessitating continued control operations. Collaboration with the FAO/DLIS will be crucial in monitoring and addressing these developments.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
