Desert Locust Outbreaks Persist in Northwestern Africa: April 2025 Overview
In April 2025, Desert Locust outbreaks were ongoing primarily in the Western Region, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, with increased adult groups and hoppers noted. Control operations doubled compared to March. Forecasts indicate continued breeding in multiple regions, and the necessity for ongoing control measures is underscored. Significant swarming and migration are expected in the coming months, particularly towards the Sahel.
In April 2025, the Desert Locust situation remained critical in several regions, particularly in the Western Region where outbreaks persisted. Reports indicated an increase in adult locust groups, with small swarms migrating northward through the Sahara, particularly observed between Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Additionally, the breeding continued, resulting in a fresh generation of locust hoppers surfacing in Morocco, northern Chad, and Niger. This emergence is concerning as it signifies ongoing threats to agriculture in the area.
The Central Region, however, saw a decline in locust populations along the Red Sea’s coasts, contrasting the escalating crisis in the West. Nonetheless, southern Egypt and northern Sudan are still witnessing the presence of adult locust groups, as well as the formation of hopper bands. Some egg-laying activities were also reported in the interior regions of Saudi Arabia, further complicating the situation.
Looking ahead, forecasts predict that spring breeding will continue in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. In May, there is a significant chance for the formation of new adult locust groups and small swarms. These groups are likely to migrate south towards the Sahel, as rainfall is anticipated from early June onward, which could facilitate their movement. Meanwhile, northern Sudan and southern Egypt may experience small-scale breeding along the Nile Valley, with the potential for adults and new groups to shift south as summer approaches.
Spring breeding is not just limited to the Northern Africa regions; limited activity is also expected in Saudi Arabia’s interior. The emergence of new adults anticipated in early June means that control measures will remain vital across all affected areas to mitigate the risks posed by these pest outbreaks. Notably, no significant developments are anticipated in the Eastern Region, which remains stable in comparison to the ongoing struggles in the West.
Significantly, control measures in April showed a marked increase, doubling the area treated compared to March, with operations covering 34,436 hectares as opposed to 17,962 hectares in the previous month. This data underscores the urgent need for continued and enhanced control operations in response to the ongoing locust threat across multiple territories.
In conclusion, the Desert Locust situation remains critical, especially in Northwestern Africa where outbreaks are prevalent. Increased breeding and migration patterns have emerged, along with a significant surge in control operations. With forecasts predicting continued breeding trends into the summer months, effective measures will be essential in combating the possible expansion of these locust populations. As northern regions brace for potential incursions, monitoring and control strategies must be prioritized moving forward.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
