General Situation during December 2016
Forecast until mid-February 2017
Desert Locust infestations declined during December in the areas affected by the current outbreaks in Mauritania, extending to southern Morocco, and Eritrea due to ongoing control operations. Nevertheless, strict vigilance should be maintained as ecological conditions continue to remain favourable and another generation of breeding is likely to take place during the forecast period. Small-scale breeding occurred in Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen where limited control operations were undertaken. Elsewhere, low numbers of adults were present in Algeria, Niger and northern Somalia.
Western Region. Although groups of hoppers and adults as well as some hopper bands formed in northwest Mauritania, infestations declined and less control was required in December compared to the previous month. However, another generation of breeding is likely to occur in the northwest and breeding should commence in the north. Numerous hopper groups and small bands formed, control operations increased slightly, and relatively large areas of vegetation became green during December in adjacent areas of Western Sahara in southern Morocco. Consequently, locust numbers could increase further in both areas and countries should remain alert. Once temperatures increase, small-scale breeding is expected to commence in western and central Algeria where solitarious adults are present. Isolated adults persisted in northern Niger where local breeding was reported.
Central Region. An outbreak on the central Red Sea coast of Eritrea continued during December and hoppers and adults formed numerous small groups. By mid-month, control operations had reduced the infestations, preventing crop damage but breeding occurred further north near the Sudanese border where hatchlings were forming small bands late in the month. Several adult groups appeared in adjacent coastal areas of Sudan and laid eggs while small-scale breeding was in progress further north along the coast. Small-scale breeding was also underway in a few places on the Red Sea coast in Yemen and Saudi Arabia where limited control was carried out. Scattered adults were seen on the coast in northwest Somalia. During the forecast period, small-scale breeding will continue on both sides of the Red Sea, causing locust numbers to increase slightly. Breeding will also occur on the northwest coast of Somalia in areas that receive rainfall.
Eastern Region. The situation remained calm in the region during December. No significant developments are likely. A few adults could appear at the end of the forecast period in spring breeding areas along the coast of southeast Iran and southwest Pakistan.
