Desert Locust Populations Rise in Mauritania

Desert locust populations have increased in northwest Mauritania, where breeding has led to the formation of adult and hopper groups. While solitarious adults were also observed in Chad and southern Egypt, other surveyed regions in the Central and Eastern areas remain largely clear of significant activity. Forecasts indicate that breeding will persist in Mauritania through late November, likely triggering a second generation of locusts. Similar breeding activity is expected to expand into northern Mali, Western Sahara, and southern Algeria, potentially resulting in further group and band formation. The Food and Agriculture Organization recommends immediate increases in survey efforts across these areas. Control operations are specifically required in Mauritania to manage the emerging groups, while surveys must resume in northern Niger, Chad, and southern Algeria to assess the extent of the population growth.