Madagascar locust update for the first dekad of February

Breeding areas in Manja and Ianakafy, Bessandriana-Sud, recorded significant amounts of precipitation, while Sakaraha, Ankaraobato, Bet Yoky, and Ambovombe reported moderate rainfall. Cyclone Bingiza, which made landfall on February 14th, brought heavy rains to the east, southeast, southwest, and other parts of the country during the early part of the 2nd dekad. The locust situation continued to develop in breeding and gregarization areas, where numbers of hopper groups and bands increased. Extensive surveys by the FAO-Central National Locust Control Center detected approximately 49,000 hectares infested with hoppers and adults. Dozens to hundreds of square meters of hopper bands, mostly 4th instar, at densities varying from 20-100 insects per square meter spaced 50 to 150 meters apart were observed. Mixed populations of solitary and transient hoppers at 10-30 insects per square meter and young adults were detected in about 20,000 hectares north of the mouth of Mangoky River. No significant impact was reported as hoppers were in the natural vegetation. However, as populations continue to increase and swarms begin forming, significant movements will be noticed in outbreak to invasion areas where threats to crops and pasture will likely be more substantial. Aerial control treated or protected 19,500 hectares (11,500 hectares with Chlorpyrifos 240 UL and 8,000 hectares protected through barrier spraying with Nomolt 50 UL – an insect growth regulator) during this dekad. A total of 432 hours and 20 minutes of flight time has been logged since the current campaign began in mid-October 2010. The total areas sprayed or protected as of this dekad is 27,740 hectares. Ninety-nine empty metal drums are stocked at the storage facility in Tuléar under the supervision of the CNA for safe disposal at a later date. A central pesticide storage facility that meets international standards is being contemplated for this location. The forecast indicates that the above-average precipitation and gusty winds from Cyclone Bingiza will slow down locust activities for a little while. However, the favorable conditions will create conditions for further breeding and increase in locust numbers over the dekads. Hoppers and bands, as well as fledglings, will continue appearing and gregarizing, particularly in Beky-Fotadre, the Mahafaly, and around Androy. Active monitoring and rapid control operations remain essential to avoid any impacts. As of February 10th, the CNA reported 90,260 liters of Chlorpyrifos 240 ULV, 17,200 liters of Nomolt 50 UL (insect growth regulator), and 600 kilograms of GreenMuscle (biopesticide) in its inventory of resources for the current locust campaign. Two helicopters are strategically placed in Tuléar and areas close to most operations. Pre-positioning of pesticides in Ankoarabato was finalized. Aerial survey and control operations that were temporarily halted in Tuléar and surrounding areas due to Cyclone Bingiza will resume as meteorological conditions improve. Control operations will commence along the Mangoky River and the lowland of Tuléar, and survey will be conducted on the high basin of Mangoky and the Belumotra plateau as conditions allow. The team is working on dispatching pesticides to Befandriana-Sud.