Locust Bulletin October 2011

The Locust Bulletin is produced each month during the spring—autumn period and includes a general summary for each major locust species, details of known distributions with regional forecasts, and maps of locust distributions and rainfall events. 

Locust Bulletin October 2011 — table of contents

General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map September 2011
Table of Australian plague locust development dates
Rainfall maps September 2011
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast districts used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin

General situation in September and outlook to November 2011

Australian Plague Locust
Spur–throated Locust
Migratory Locust

High density residual adult populations remained in isolated parts of South Australia and Victoria during April and May, declining in numbers in most locations by early June. Sporadic autumn swarm egg laying was reported from several locations in the southern Flinders and northern Mt Lofty Ranges areas in South Australia, and also part of the Lower Murray district, extending as far south as Naracoorte, and on the western Eyre Peninsula. In Victoria sporadic swarm activity continued in the southern Grampians district where egg laying was recorded in several locations. In New South Wales swarm egg laying only occurred in the south-eastern Riverina in March. Spring hatchings commenced in early September in South Australia, where early instar nymphs and a number of small bands were identified in the Hawker–Quorn area. The spring nymphal population is expected to be much smaller than that of spring 2010 and is unlikely to produce a significant swarm infestation in any region.

The outlook is for localised areas of mid–high density nymphs and some small bands developing during October in several regions of South Australia, the south-eastern Riverina and the Grampians and southern Wimmera districts in Victoria. Nymphs which emerged in September in South Australia will fledge during the second half of October. Hatching will commence in the southern Riverina in early October, in mid-October in northern Victoria and in the southern Grampians from late October. September surveys in western New South Wales and Southwest Queensland identified very few locusts, indicating that development of substantial populations is unlikely before November. Rainfall in November could initiate a summer breeding sequence in some locations in these regions.

In South Australia, early instar nymphs and a number of small bands have been identified in the Hawker–Quorn–Orroroo area, east of Burra, the Barossa Valley and the Sedan–Mannum area of the Lower Murray. Hatchings in South Australia commenced earlier this year than in 2010 as a result of above-average temperatures experienced during July and early August. There are also low density late instar nymphs and fledgling adults that have developed from over-wintering nymphs. Nymphs were reported on the western Eyre Peninsula near Ceduna in mid-September and hatchings may extend south as far as Elliston.  Fledging of nymphs will commence after mid-October, extending into November in the Southeast, resulting in an increase in adult population densities. High adult densities and some swarms may form in localised areas.

In New South Wales the only known autumn swarm egg laying occurred in the Savernake–Oaklands area of the Riverina. Hatchings and the development of some nymphal bands is expected to commence in early October. Sporadic egg laying may have occurred elsewhere in the eastern Riverina, and a widespread low level nymph population is likely to develop in the Wagga–Cootamundra and Lockhart–Jerilderie–Corowa areas. Fledging will follow during November and adult numbers will increase in the southern Riverina.

In Victoria, swarm egg laying during autumn was reported near Horsham and in several locations between Ararat and Hamilton. Hatching will commence from mid-October, extending to late October in the southern Grampians. Localised high density nymphs and some bands are likely to form in these areas.  Sporadic hatchings could be more widespread in the Bendigo–Kerang, Boort–Charlton, St Arnaud–Horsham and Yarrawonga-Shepparton areas, resulting in low–medium density nymphs and possible small bands.    

•  Spur–throated locust           Austracris guttulosa
  

Fledging of nymphs from summer egg laying in 2010-11 produced a widespread population of young adults throughout New South Wales and parts of western Queensland in February and March. Young adults at Concentration and swarm densities were recorded in parts of Central West, Southwest and South Central Queensland, and the Northwest Plains, Far West and Central West New South Wales. Numerous and Concentration density fledglings and late instar nymphs were also recorded in the Riverina and Far Southwest New South Wales, and low density nymphs and adults in northern Victoria. The scale of widespread successful breeding in New South Wales in 2010-11 has not been recorded previously.

The number of young adults declined in April and May to Isolated–Scattered densities in most areas, and the only reports during winter were from the Thargomindah area in Southwest Queensland and the Wanaaring–Hungerford area in Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) in New South Wales. APLC surveys in August identified several swarms near the Paroo River to the east of Wanaaring.  September surveys in New South Wales identified consistent Isolated density adults in Central West, Darling and Western LHPA areas, and in the Northeast region of South Australia.

Surveys in September in Southwest, South Central and part of Central West Queensland identified only Isolated density adults in these regions. This population level is considerably below that for the same time in 2010, when many swarms were found in these regions. There have been no reports of swarms in other regions of Queensland, where last spring the state biosecurity authority conducted control of swarms in the Blackall–Tambo and Charleville–Bollon areas.

The outlook is for overwintering swarms in parts of Southwest Queensland and Darling LHPA in New South Wales to become more mobile during spring. Some swarms could move into more open country in South Central Queensland or the Northwest Plains and Bourke area of New South Wales. This could result in localised damage to crops or horticulture.    

• Migratory locust                Locusta migratoria

This species has not been detected by APLC surveys since last March, when Scattered density adults were identified in the Roma–Injune area of South Central Queensland. To date there have been no reports in this region or the Queensland Central Highlands. Given the very low known population level, there is a low probability of the development of localised gregarious populations of this species before summer.      

4 October 2011

• Australian plague locust situation

  New South Wales
  Queensland
  Victoria
  South Australia

Map of Australian plague locust distribution: September 2011

NEW SOUTH WALES

Situation in September and forecast to November 2011

Central West

Lachlan, Central West & Central North LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Locust population density was low in the Central West region during September. Few adults and no nymphs were detected in surveyed areas. Any eggs laid during autumn are likely to have hatched during September.
  

• APLC surveys were carried out in the northern part of Central West LHPA during early September and occasional Isolated density adults were identified.
  

• Low numbers (Isolated density) of adult spur-throated locusts are widespread throughout the region.
  

• There was light–moderate (<20–40 mm) rainfall throughout the region in mid-August and moderate-heavy falls (20–>40 mm) at the end of September. The late September rains will produce a pasture response during October.              

Forecast

• Adults in September are likely to have developed from over-wintering nymphs and could lay eggs at low densities during October, following rainfall in late September. Any nymphs produced are likely to be localised, but could contribute to a moderate increase in adult population in November.
  

• Surviving nymphs hatched from any diapause eggs will be at mid-instar at the start of October and will fledge during the second half of the month. This could contribute to an increase in overall adult numbers to Scattered density.
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during spring, given the low population levels in adjacent regions.      

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant increase in population level before November.         

Riverina

Riverina & Hume LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• High density egg laying in autumn was confined to the eastern and southern parts of the region. The only known egg beds are in the Corowa–Jerilderie area and hatching will commence in early October. Nymphs emerging in early October in that area could form some localised Bands during the month. APLC surveys are planned for early October to coincide with the emergence of nymphs from eggs in diapause.
  

• There were widespread light–moderate (<20–40 mm) falls of rain in the Riverina areas during August and further light–moderate falls at the end of September. There are green grasses and forbs within the bulk dry carryover pastures.

 Forecast

• A number of nymphal Bands are expected to develop from egg beds in the Savernake–Oaklands area during October. High density autumn adult activity in the south-eastern Riverina was recorded more widely in the area bounded by Berrigan–Lockhart–Culcairn–Corowa, where there is likely to have been some sporadic egg laying. Lower densities of nymphs and some small Bands are likely to develop in parts of this area. Nymphs from spring hatchings will be at mid-instar stages after mid-October and fledging will occur in November. The formation of some Concentrations or small swarms is possible in the Savernake–Oaklands area.
  

• The adults fledged from the spring generation of nymphs will possibly migrate within the region from mid-November, resulting in an increase in adult population densities. Any subsequent breeding by this generation will not occur until late November or December, and rainfall at that time will influnce the likelihood and location of any egg laying.
  

• Some adults persisted in the Cootamundra–Wagga area during March and possible sporadic autumn egg laying may result in localised areas of nymphs during October.
  

• There is a very low probability of immigration from other regions during the forecast period.

Risk(s)

• There is a high probability of localised Bands developing in the Corowa–Oaklands area during October. Fledging of the nymphal population in November will result in an increase in adult densities and moderate probability of the formation of some small swarms.       

Northwest Slopes and Plains

Northwest LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• After the decline in population levels last summer and autumn, population densities are likely to remain low during spring. There were no reports during September.
  
  
  
• APLC surveys in the Walgett district in early September identified only occasional Isolated density adults and no nymphs were detected. Dense carryover pastures may have hampered detection in some areas. Further APLC surveys are planned for October.
  
  
  
• There is a widespread Isolated density population of spur-throated locusts throughout the Northwest LHPA area.
  
  
  
• Parts of the region received moderate rainfall (20–40 mm) in May and moderate–heavy falls during June. During 8–15 September and again in the last week of the month there further moderate and some heavy (>40 mm) rains in the region, which will produce pasture response during October.  

Forecast

• Surveys detected no evidence of significant egg laying during autumn and population levels are expected to remain generally low during October. Rainfall during September and October or November could initiate some low density breeding of the local population that could result in a nymphal generation during November and a moderate population increase.
  
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration into the region, given the low p in adjacent regions.        

Risk(s) 

• There is a low probability of a significant population increase in this region during October, but a moderate increase is likely during November.       

Far West

Darling LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• The population level detected during September was very low. Occasional adults were identified only in the Brewarrina and Cobar districts. Population densities are expected to remain generally low during October and November.
  
  

• Surveys were conducted in the Bourke, Wanaaring, Brewarrina and Cobar districts during the first half of September. Isolated density adults were identified in the southern Brewarrina district. Limited survey south of Cobar identified Isolated–Scattered density adults and Present density late instar nymphs.
  
  

• There is a widespread Isolated–Scattered density population of spur-throated locusts throughout the Bourke and Wanaaring districts and several swarms were identified near the Paroo River in the Wanaaring district during August.
  
  

• There was moderate rainfall (20–40 mm) in parts of Darling LHPA during May, and moderate falls at the end of September. Pasture vegetation is mostly becoming dry.   

Forecast

• The low densities of adults and absence of nymphs during September indicate that no significant breeding occurred in this region during late autumn. However, dense carryover pastures may have hampered detection in some areas. Fledgling adults and late instar nymphs in the Cobar district are likely to have developed from over-wintering nymphs. These will contribute to a background Isolated–Scattered density adult population during October.
  
  

• Rainfall in late October or November could result in aggregation and breeding of the background adult population and some localised egg laying. This could lead to a moderate increase in overall population or the development of localised high density populations in November or December.        

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant increase in adult population during October, but a moderate increase is possible in November.        

Far South West

Western LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• A very low density adult population was indicated by surveys during September. No nymphs were detected.
  
  

• Surveys were conducted in the Broken Hill, White Cliffs and Tibooburra districts in early September. Only occasional Isolated density adults were identified.
  
  

• Fowlers Gap light trap recorded a single locust on 23 September and none were recorded at White Cliffs.
  
  

• There was patchy light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of the region at the end of September. Vegetation is mostly becoming dry.        

Forecast 

• The very low numbers of adults and absence of nymphs during September indicate that no significant breeding occurred in this region during late autumn. However, dense carryover pastures may have hampered detection in some areas. Some nymphs may appear during October, but spring hatchings in areas north of Broken Hill were estimated to have commenced by September.
  

• No surveys have been conducted in the southern part of this region, but the population is expected to be at low background levels until November.
  

• Rainfall in late October or November could result in aggregation and breeding of the background adult population and some localised egg laying. This could lead to a moderate increase in overall population or the development of localised high density populations in November or December.
  

• Given the low level populations in adjacent regions, no significant immigration is likely during October or November.          

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant increase in population during October, but a moderate increase from very low levels is probable in November.          

All locust activity should be reported to your Livestock Health and Pest Authority or Department of Primary Industries, NSW.
A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

QUEENSLAND

Situation in September and forecast to November 2011

Southwest

Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire

Locusts and conditions

• The locust population level remains very low in this region. September surveys detected very few adults or nymphs. The population is unlikely to increase significantly before November.
  

• Surveys were conducted in parts of all shires in mid-September. Isolated density adults were identified only in the Monkira area, where Present density fourth instar nymphs were also identified at one location.
  

• No locusts were recorded at the Nooyeah Downs light trap during September.
  

• There is a low density population of spur-throated locusts in some areas. Isolated density adults were identified in parts of Barcoo and Diamantina Shires.
  

• Parts of the region received light rainfall (<20 mm) during June and light–moderate (20–40 mm) in mid-July. There were patchy light falls in Bulloo and Quilpie Shires during the second and final weeks of September.      

Forecast

• The very low population level detected is below that usually found in this region during September. Dense dry grasses carried over from summer may have hampered detection is some places, but the known population indicates that no significant breeding occurred during autumn or winter. However, localised development of small populations can occur during spring in favourable areas of habitat.
  
  
• A significant increase in population is unlikely before November, but rainfall in October or November could initiate aggregation and breeding of small populations, resulting in a subsequent increase in some areas. The location and intensity of any rainfall events will have a direct bearing on the development of the summer population in this region.
  
  
• There is a low probability of significant immigration to this region before November, but some low density immigration is possible from adjacent regions in late November or December.          

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant population increase during October, but the probability will increase during November and December with the expectation of summer storm rainfall initiating some locust breeding.         

Central West and Northwest

Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall—Tambo Regional Shire. Boulia, Cloncurry, Flinders, Mckinlay, Mt Isa, Richmond & Winton Shire

Locusts and conditions  

• Population density remained at low levels during September. There have been no reports.
  

• No locusts were identified during APLC surveys in parts of Longreach and Tambo Regional Council areas during September.
  

• The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no locusts during September.
  

• There is a widespread low density population of spur-throated locusts in this region.
  

• There was light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of this region during June and July. The Blackall–Tambo area received further light falls in mid-September. Pastures are predominantly dry.        

Forecast

• There is likely to be a continuing low density population in this region during October, but an increase to moderate levels is possible in some areas during November. Localised development of high density populations can occur in favourable areas of habitat during spring and the background population is likely to be maintained by sporadic local breeding.
  

• The location of any significant rainfall events during October or November will have a bearing on summer population developments, as it can initiate aggregation and breeding of the background population.|
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during October or November.         

Risk(s)

• No risks are identified for this region during October. There is a moderate probability of localised increases in population during November.        

Central Highlands

Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population density is expected to have remained very low during September in this region. There have been no reports.
  

• APLC surveys are planned for October.
  

• There was moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) during June and August.        

Forecast   

• There is unlikely to be any significant population increase in this region during October. However, localised development of high density populations can occur during spring in favourable areas of habitat. If any sporadic egg laying occurred during late autumn, the resulting nymphs would develop to fledging in October.
  

• There is a very low probability of any significant immigration during October or November.             

Risk(s)

•  No risks are identified for this region during spring.              

South Central Queensland and Darling Downs

Balonne, Murweh and Paroo Shire. Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population numbers were very low in this region during September. There were no reports of locust activity.
  

• APLC surveys were carried out in parts of Balonne, Murweh and Paroo Shires in early September. Occasional Isolated density adults were detected in Balonne Shire and western Paroo Shire.
  

• This region received light rainfall (<20 mm) during May, June and July. In mid-September there was light–moderate (20–40 mm) rainfall throughout the region, and further moderate rainfall at the end of the month, which brought some heavy falls in Balonne Shire.          

Forecast

• There is likely to be a continuing low density population in this region during October, but an increase to moderate levels is possible in some areas during November. Localised development of high density populations can occur in favourable areas of habitat during spring and the background population is likely to be maintained by sporadic local breeding.
  

• There were several rainfall events during September which could initiate the aggregation and breeding of the local population, particularly in pasture or fallow areas. This could produce a nymphal generation from late November in some localised areas.
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during October or November.          

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant population increase during October, but localised increases could occur during November in some pasture areas.          
              

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (Primary Industries & Fisheries). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

VICTORIA

Situation in September and forecast to November 2011

Locusts and conditions

• Recorded high density egg laying by adults in autumn was restricted to areas around Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and the southern Grampians. Hatchings are expected from mid-October and some small Bands are likely to develop in these districts. Sporadic egg laying may have been more widespread throughout North Central Victoria and the Wimmera during autumn, and medium density nymphs and small Bands could develop in many other locations.
  

• There were several periods of widespread light rainfall across Victoria during winter, with moderate falls in southern areas and parts of the North Central region. At the end of September there were moderate (20–40 mm) falls in North Central Victoria and light falls (<20 mm) in western areas.                  

Forecast

• Few egg laying events were observed in March and April, but sporadic egg laying is likely to have been more widespread. Hatchings will commence from mid-October across North-Central Victoria and the Wimmera district, and from late October in the southern Grampians. Nymphs will be at mid-instar stages in early November and fledging will follow after mid-November into December in southern areas. At this stage the size of the spring nymphal population is uncertain, but will be on a much smaller scale and in areas further south than in spring 2010.
  
  
• Nymphal Bands are expected to develop in the areas where egg laying was reported around St Arnaud–Horsham and Ararat–Lake Boga.  Other areas where swarms were active after mid-March are likely to have had sporadic autumn egg laying and produce nymphs and possibly localised Bands. These areas include the Bendigo–Kerang, Boort–Charlton and Wodonga–Yarrawonga–Shepparton areas, but small hatchings are also possible in many parts of North Central and western Victoria.
  
  
• An increase in adult population is likely from late November and the formation of localised Concentration and small swarms is possible in the Wimmera and Grampians districts.
  
  
• There is likely to be a very low density population of late instar nymphs and fledgling adults developing from surviving overwintering nymphs which hatched in April and May. This could produce widespread Isolated–Scattered density adults during October and November.
  
  
• There is a very low probability of any significant immigration from western NSW during October or November, given the development stages and small populations in adjacent regions.      

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of localised high density nymphs and development of Bands occurring in late October and November in parts of the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts.  More widespread nymphs and possibly some small Bands are likely to develop in parts of North Central Victoria. The nymphal population could present a moderate localised risk to some crops in the Grampians district. There is a low probability of significant swarm formation in late November.                  

Locust activity should be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria on 1300 135559 . A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Situation in September and forecast to November 2011

Northeast, Far North, Northwest & Western Agricultural region

Locusts and conditions

• Sporadic swarm egg laying in autumn has produced localised hatchings and the development of some small Bands in parts of the Northeast and Western Agricultural regions. Hatchings commenced near Hawker in early September and further small area hatchings occurred in the Quorn and Burra areas, and near Ceduna on the western Eyre Peninsula in mid-September. The outlook is for a widespread low–medium density nymphal population, fledging from mid-October in areas from Hawker south to Burra, along with a limited number of localised small Bands. The overall population size is much smaller than that of spring 2010. A moderate rise in adult population densities is likely from the end of October.
  

• Surveys by PIRSA in mid-September identified several small Bands of early instar nymphs in the Hawker–Quorn area, with Present–Numerous density nymphs in the Carrieton–Orroroo and Burra areas.
  

• Surveys by PIRSA and APLC in mid-September identified a low density population of late instar nymphs and fledgling adults in the area from Quorn south to Wilmington, extending west to Peterborough and Paratoo. There were Isolated density adults from Hawker to Parachilna and on the eastern side of the ranges to Martins Well.
  

• Light traps at Dulkaninna and Oodnadatta in the Far North recorded no locusts during September.
  

• There was light–moderate (20–40 mm) rainfall in parts of the Northwest, Western Agricultural and Northeast regions during May and July. The Western Agricultural and Northeast regions received further light–moderate falls in mid-August and again in late September. Ground vegetation remains green in most southern regions, but is becoming dry in the north           

Forecast

• The scale of the nymphal generation is unlikely to increase significantly during October, as spring hatching in this region will have been completed in September. However, some further reports may be received as older nymphs become more visible. Fledging will commence in the second half of October and continue in November, which is likely to contribute to an increase in adult population. Overall adult numbers are expected to increase to Numerous density, with localised areas of Concentration and possibly small swarms in the Hawker–Quorn area. The size of the adult population in November is unlikely to present a significant threat to agriculture in these regions, or of immigration to areas to the south.
  

• The extent of the nymphal population on the western Eyre Peninsula is uncertain, with only two reports from west of Ceduna received at this stage. Adults persisted at declining densities in this region until June and sporadic high density egg laying could have continued from April and May in some areas. Many areas of Present–Numerous density mid-instar nymphs, possibly with Bands in some areas, are expected to develop in areas from Sheringa to Ceduna during October. Fledging in early November will result in an increase in adult numbers on the western Eyre Peninsula and could produce Concentration density adults and small swarms in some areas.
  

• Ground vegetation in the Far North and Northwest regions remained green during September. It is possible that a nymphal population developed in localised habitat areas during August and September. A background population of adults may be present in some areas during October.
  

• There is a low probability of significant immigration into any of these regions during October or November.           

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of localised high density adults and some swarm formation during late October and November. The nymphal generation is unlikely to present more than localised small risks to agriculture and the adult generation is unlikely to produce a significant swarm population or migrations to regions to the south.      
   

 Murray Valley & Southeast region

Locusts and conditions

• Early hatchings were reported in several locations in the Barossa Valley at the start of September and in the Mannum–Sedan area in mid-September. Densities of early-instar nymphs varied at hatching locations, but a number of small Bands were reported in these areas and landholders have carried out control of Bands in a number of locations. Further reports may be received during October as older nymphs form Bands and become visible, but the scale of the nymphal population is much smaller than that of spring 2010.
  

• Surveys by PIRSA in late September confirmed most nymphs in the Mannum area were at second instar stages in late September. There were occasional Isolated density adults, but few nymphs were identified in areas other than those reported by landholders.
  

• There was moderate rainfall (20>40 mm) rainfall in the Southeast and Mt Lofty Ranges regions during July and August, and light falls at the end of September. The Murray Valley received light rainfall (<20 mm) in early and mid-August.       

Forecast

• Hatchings in these regions have commenced earlier than in spring 2010. The very early hatchings in the Barossa area probably resulted from above-average temperatures experienced during July and August. The majority of nymphs have now emerged in the Murray Valley and Mt Lofty regions, but further reports are possible as older nymphs become more visible or form Bands. The known distribution of nymphs suggests that only sporadic swarm egg laying occurred during autumn. Fledging of the majority of nymphs will occur in the second half of October and early November. Adult densities will subsequently increase and some areas of Concentration density adults or possibly small swarms may form during November, but a significant swarm population is unlikely.
  

• In the Southeast region hatchings will commence in the Coonalpyn–Keith area in early October and around Naracoorte in mid-October.  Hatchings are expected to be sporadic and while areas of Present–Numerous density nymphs may occur in some locations, the development of any Bands is likely to be restricted to small areas. Fledging will occur in the second half of November and while adult population densities will increase, there is unlikely to be any significant swarm formation.
  

• There is a low probability of significant immigration into these regions during October–November.        

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of further small Bands being identified during October in localised areas. The nymphal population presents a low risk of regional crop damage. While the adult population will increase during November, there is a low probability of the formation of significant swarms.      

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity SA (PIRSA) at Locust Report Hotline on 1800 833 451.
A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

Map of Rainfall distribution 

Place Name Key for Rainfall Distribution Map

Glossary of terms and abbreviations used in the Locust Bulletin

Where higher densities occur a large proportion of the regional population is concentrated in small areas with lower densities elsewhere, so the high densities cannot be extrapolated across the area of an entire region. Typically a range of density classes is found within surveyed regions and higher densities occur where habitat conditions are favourable. More detail is available about terms and descriptions used here.

Reporting locust infestations

It is important that all locust activity is reported as soon as possible to your Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture) or to the Australian Plague Locust Commission.

Reports to the Australian Plague Locust Commission can be made by:

Free call (Canberra) — 1800 635 962 (24 hours)
Fax (Canberra) — (02) 6272 5074
Email: Locust Report

Forecasting Districts used in the Bulletin

General regions referred to in the Bulletin

Location of APLC light traps (black circles).
Locust habitat areas shaded.