Western Region (CLCPRO)
Mauritania. Good rains fell during August in the west (Moudjeria-Akjoujt-Aguilal Faye) followed by unusually heavy and widespread rains in the northwest and north in September and October, which are likely to allow breeding conditions to remain favourable in some areas for up to six months. Egg-laying commenced in the west shortly after mid-September, and hoppers formed groups in late October and started fledging in early November. The current seasonal precipitation outlook suggests drier than normal conditions during the winter and spring except for above-average rains in Inchiri during February. Given the rainfall that has occurred and the expected warmer than normal winter temperatures, there is a possibility for three generations of breeding this year in the northwest and north (Sep-Dec, Dec-Feb, Mar-Apr) that could cause locust numbers to increase considerably, giving rise to hopper bands and swarms.
Morocco. Unusually heavy and widespread rains fell in the Western Sahara in September and October, which are likely to allow breeding conditions to remain favourable in some areas for up to six months. The current seasonal precipitation outlook suggests that average to drier than normal conditions are likely during the winter and spring except for above-average rains in southern and central areas during February. Given the heavy October rains and warmer than normal temperatures expected, there is a possibility for at least two generations of breeding between December and May that could cause locust numbers to increase substantially, giving rise to hopper bands and swarms.
Algeria. Unusually heavy and widespread rains fell in the west between Tindouf and Beni Abbes in late October that may allow breeding conditions to remain favourable in some areas for up to 4-6 months. The current seasonal precipitation outlook suggests that drier and warmer than normal conditions are likely during the winter and spring expect for above-average rains in southern and central areas during February. Consequently, there may be a possibility for up two generations of breeding between December and May that could cause locust numbers to increase substantially, giving rise to hopper bands and swarms.
Libya. Good rains fell in late September between Ghat and Al Hamada Al Hamra. Limited areas of green vegetation developed by early November. As the current seasonal precipitation outlook is for below-average winter rainfall, only small-scale breeding may occur and locust numbers are likely to remain low.
