Desert Locust Outbreaks Update: January 6, 2025

As of January 6, 2025, desert locust outbreaks persist in Niger and Sudan, with new occurrences in Eritrea. Control measures have tripled, and second-generation breeding is anticipated along coastal regions. Monitoring and widespread interventions will be essential in managing these outbreaks effectively.

On January 6, 2025, a small outbreak of desert locusts was reported in Eritrea, coinciding with ongoing outbreaks in Niger and Sudan. While Eritrea experienced a rise in several bands and groups of hoppers and adults, Sudan saw migrations of adult groups and swarms to its Red Sea coast, indicating a second generation of winter breeding of locusts. Scattered locusts were also noted along the coasts of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, with additional reports of small bands in Oman and isolated adults in northwest Somalia and India. In terms of regional presence, groups were located in Niger and Algeria, alongside isolated hoppers and adults in Mauritania and a few adults found in Morocco.

Control measures have intensified substantially, with operations covering 14,553 hectares in December, a significant increase from the 4,162 hectares treated in November. This increase indicates a proactive response to the threat posed by the locust populations. Forecasts signal that second-generation breeding will remain active, with increases in hoppers and bands expected from early January along the coastal areas of Sudan and Eritrea, and possibly extending to southeastern Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Control operations will continue to be necessary in some areas, particularly in northern Niger and southern Algeria, where small groups could persist, but significant developments are not anticipated in the Eastern Region.

In conclusion, the situation remains dynamic with the potential for expanded locust populations across several regions. The ongoing control operations appear essential to managing these outbreaks effectively. Future weather conditions, particularly rainfall, may influence breeding patterns along the coasts, underscoring the need for continual monitoring and intervention when necessary. Additional efforts must remain focused on identified hotspots to mitigate the impacts of these pests.

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In summary, desert locust outbreaks are ongoing in Sudan and Niger, with a new small outbreak observed in Eritrea. Control operations have significantly increased, and forecasts predict continued breeding activity into January. Close attention to weather patterns and proactive management strategies will be crucial in controlling the spread of locust populations in affected areas.

Original Source: www.fao.org