Desert Locust situation update， 9 March 2023

WINTER BREEDING WILL DECLINE 

KEY POINTS
• Current situation: calm in all regions
• January: In Sudan, adult groups increased in the Red Sea coast and subcoastal areas. In Saudi Arabia, a few mature groups of adults were copulating on the northern Red Sea coast. Low numbers of adults were present in southeast Egypt and the Red Sea coast of Yemen.

• March– mid April 2023: In Saudi Arabia, low numbers of adults are likely to move to the interior where good rains are supposed to fall. Rains are expected as well on the coast of southeast Iran and southwest Pakistan during March and April. Consequently, spring breeding may occur on a small scale.

The Desert Locust situation continued to remain calm during February.

In Sudan, adult groups increased in the Red Sea coast and subcoastal areas as vegetation started to dry out and ground teams treated 3 826 ha. In Saudi Arabia, a few mature groups of adults were copulating on the northern Red Sea coast where 410 ha were treated. Low numbers of adults were present in southeast Egypt and the Red Sea coast of Yemen. In the Eastern Region, good rain fell on the coast of Iran for the second month in a row.

In Saudi Arabia, low numbers of adults are likely to move to the interior where good rains are supposed to fall there as well as on the coast of southeast Iran and southwest Pakistan during March and April. Consequently, spring breeding may occur on a small scale.

Surveys and vigilance should be maintained for spring breeding activities.