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Locust Bulletin February 2008
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Locust Bulletin February 2008 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map January 2008
Rainfall events January 2008
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in January 2008 and outlook to mid-March 2008
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
There was an increase in locust population levels in New South Wales during January, with localised areas of high density adults and nymphs found in several regions. Swarms were identified in the Mungindi–Moree area in early January and breeding occurred in several locations. Early hatchings occurred in mid-January, with further hatching and the development of nymphal bands near Mungindi at the end of the month. Bands were also reported from within Queensland near Dirranbandi in late January. A more widespread nymphal generation, with bands in some locations, could develop in the Northwest Plains during February, with fledging and some swarm formation possible in late February. There was a medium density adult population elsewhere in the Northwest Plains, in the Central West and parts of the Riverina region.
The outlook for February is for further increases in the adult population in New South Wales following localised breeding in December, with a peak in adult numbers in late February as a result of fledging of the nymphal population in the Northwest Plains. Further breeding may occur in the Far West, Central West and Riverina regions of New South Wales during February, following an increase in adult densities and continued heavy rains in late January. There is a potential for high density adults to develop in the Northwest Plains in March, and for migratory redistribution within New South Wales, leading to significant autumn breeding in favourable habitats.
Surveys were limited by flooding in Queensland but there was an increase to medium adult densities in part of Southwest Queensland during January. Some breeding could occur in this region in February, particularly associated with habitats exposed after the retreat of floodwaters. Soil and vegetation conditions remain favourable for locust breeding across large areas of inland Queensland.
There were numerous reports of locust activity in New South Wales during late December and early January and these indicate considerable migratory redistribution of adults during that period. At this stage, significant breeding appears to have only occurred in the Northwest Plains in early January, with sporadic breeding in other regions during December. Small areas of high density locusts and evidence of localised breeding were found near Trangie in the Central West, and near Broken Hill in the Far Southwest of New South Wales. Concentration density adults were found near Mathoura in the southern Riverina, which probably resulted from migrations in early January. At the end of January high density adults were reported from the Wanaaring–White Cliffs area in Far West New South Wales, which may breed in this region in February. Further heavy rains occurred in the Northwest Plains, Far West, Central West and Riverina regions during January and have maintained suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust breeding.
There were no reports from South Australia and there was no significant rainfall during January. The population in the southern Flinders Ranges area in December may have persisted at low densities.
There were no reports of locust activity from Victoria but low numbers of adults may have migrated into part of the North Central region from the Riverina during January.
4 February 2008
There was a widespread low-medium density adult population throughout Central West and Northwest Queensland during January. Consistent Scattered-Numerous density adults were found in Winton and Boulia Shires in the Northwest, and in Longreach, Flinders, Aramac, Ilfracombe, Barcaldine and Blackall Shires of Central West Queensland during January. There were Present–Numerous density nymphs, ranging from early to mid-instars, in Winton, Longreach and Barcaldine Shires. Nymphs were also reported from the Tambo area. These nymphs indicate widespread breeding during December. Present density late instar nymphs were found in Aramac Shire, which correspond with late November breeding. Surveys at the end of January in the north of Flinders, Richmond and McKinlay Shires found very few nymphs, indicating that widespread breeding did not occur in December in the Hughenden–Julia Creek area. There were Isolated–Scattered density adults in parts of South Central Queensland, and in Taroom and Bauhinia Shires in the southern Central Highlands during December, but no evidence of significant early breeding in these regions. Occasional Isolated density adults were also found in Walgett, Brewarrina, Moree and Northern Slopes RLPB areas in northern NSW during January.
Fledging of this season’s nymphs will begin in February where early egg laying occurred, and will continue during February and March for the bulk of the nymphal population. Low numbers of locusts were caught in the Longreach light trap on several nights during the month, with a peak during 7–10 January. The continued heavy storm rains in Central West and South Central Qld and the Central Highlands during January will provide conditions for a high rate of nymphal survival during February.
No information was available from the Queensland Central Highlands during January. Heavy rains caused severe flooding in several shires. Continued heavy rainfall in the region may have allowed further breeding of the low density population in Bauhina Shire during January. Surveys at the end of January in the north of Central West Queensland found Isolated and Scattered density adult locusts in the Hughenden area, indicating a population outside the Central Highlands. There was continued heavy rainfall in the Central Highlands, South Central Queensland and Central West of Queensland during January which could result in further successful breeding of these adults and a subsequent population increase during February–March.
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Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 January to 31 January 2008
Nymphal density
Present
Numerous - Subband
Band
Adult density
Nil - Isolated
Isolated - Scattered
Scattered - Numerous
Numerous - Concentration
Swarms present
Densities estimated for areas of locust habitat, based on survey and reports.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Swarms were reported in the Moree RLPB district in early January. A number of Low Density Swarms and Concentrations were subsequently identified in the Mungindi–Collarenebri area and also around Moree – near Ashley to the north, and near Gurley to the south. A number of egg beds and low density early hatchings were identified near Mungindi on 9 January. Further hatchings occurred in late January and early instar bands developed on two properties south of Mungindi at the end of the month. There are likely to be more widespread nymphal bands reported in the Moree district during February. Elsewhere in the region the adult population density remained low.
- Surveys during January found consistent counts of Scattered density adults in Walgett and Narrabri districts, with only Isolated density adults in Northern Slopes district.
- Following a report, a small Band of late instar nymphs were confirmed from between Walgett and Cumborah in late January, indicating that early January breeding extended into this district.
- At the end of January low density early instar nymphs were reported in the Somerton area near Gunnedah in the Tamworth RLPB.
- Following the fledging of nymphs reported in the Croppa Creek area of the Northern Slopes district at the end of December, adult numbers declined to low densities during January.
- There were moderate–heavy rains (20-40 mm) in Moree and Northern Slopes districts in the first week of January. There were widespread heavy falls (>50 mm) in Moree and Northern Slopes districts during 16–23 January, with light–moderate falls in Walgett and Tamworth districts. There were further light rains (<20 mm) in Walgett district in the last week of January. Continued rains during January have maintained green pastures in most areas.
Forecast
- The appearance of swarms in the Moree RLPB district in early January is likely to have been the result of migration from adjacent parts of southern Queensland. The likely source of this population was breeding in mid-November in parts of adjacent South Central Queensland and the Darling Downs. Adult swarms with developed eggs were recorded over a wide area, and some egg laying was recorded, but the subsequent generation of nymphs were detected in only a few locations at low-medium densities. Fledging of those nymphs, however, would have been in late December, so the timing of migration and aggregation of swarms coincides with their appearance in NSW. There were several reports of increased locust activity from several areas in NSW, including Walgett and Goodooga, during late December and early January prior to the appearance of swarms. There had been no evidence of nymphs in the Moree district in December.
- The age of the majority of nymphs in Bands identified on ‘Wilgabar’ on 30 January accord with the egg beds found on 9 January. Fledging of nymphs from this cohort will occur from 20 February. Fledging of nymphs from low density early hatchings may begin in mid-February. There may also have also been later layings in some areas and further bands are likely to be reported in the Moree and Walgett RLPB districts during February. Identified bands appear to be restricted to crop stubble paddocks and nymphs are moving into adjacent dense pastures.
- While adult densities declined in the Manilla area of Tamworth RLPB in December, the reports of nymphs in late January may be the result of breeding in that district following heavy rains in mid-December.
Risk(s)
- Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will be critical in minimising the impact of hopper bands on crops and the development of swarms during February. There is a moderate risk that further bands will develop in the Moree RLPB district in February that could cause localised damage to summer crops in some locations. There is also a risk of swarms forming in the district from late February, which could migrate to other parts of the region and breed during autumn.
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board.
A toll-free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
Far West
Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Milparinka, Wanaaring & Wilcannia RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Locust population density remained generally low in this region during January, but there were consistent Scattered density adults in Brewarrina and Bourke RLPB areas, and Numerous density adults at one location in Wilcannia RLPB. However, there was a swarm report from ‘Barrona Downs’, and White Cliffs light trap recorded high numbers of locusts on 30 January, indicating migration and redistribution of adults in the Wanaaring and Milparinka districts. At the end of January Numerous and up to Concentration density adults were recorded in the areas between White-Cliffs and Tibooburra.
- Surveys during mid-January found consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in Bourke, Brewarrina and Broken Hill districts, with up to Numerous density at one location near Emmdale in Wilcannia district. Only occasional Isolated adults density adults were found in Milparinka district. Present density fifth instar nymphs were found near ‘The Selection’ in Milparinka district and on ‘Koonawarra’ in the west of Wilcannia district on 17 January.
- Bands were confirmed at ‘Golden Plains’ in northern Brewarrina district at the end of January, indicating the early January egg laying on the Northwest Plains extended into further west.
- White Cliffs light trap caught low numbers of locusts during 12-14 January but over 400 locusts on 30 January.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) in Bourke and Broken Hill districts during 8–15 January and heavy falls (>40 mm) in Bourke, Cobar and eastern parts of Wanaaring and Wilcannia districts during 16–23 January. Localised heavy storm rains fell in the Cobar district in the last week January. Ground vegetation is green in the eastern half of this region.
Forecast
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Given the very low numbers of adults in the Milparinka–White Cliffs area in mid-January, the appearance of swarms in late January and the high light trap catch on 30 January suggests redistribution of adults and probable migration from the northeast or east during the month. The insect monitoring radars at Thargomindah and Bourke showed a consistent movement to the southwest and west during the second half January. Some adults from the White Cliffs light trap had developed eggs. Localised breeding of high density adults is possible in the White Cliffs–Wanaaring area in early February, following immigration and heavy rains in mid-January. Nymphs, possibly at locally medium–high density, would appear after mid-February.
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The only evidence of breeding in the region were occasional Present density fifth instar nymphs northeast of Broken Hill, which indicate some low density egg laying after rains in mid-December. Nymphs of this age could have contributed to the swarms reported in late January, but immigration is a more likely source of higher density adults.
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Despite continued heavy rainfall in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Cobar RLPB areas during January, there appears to have been little significant breeding in the eastern part of the region. However, redistribution of adults during January could have resulted in some localised breeding, or could lead to the formation of high density adults in small areas, and sporadic breeding in early February.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk of localised high density breeding in the Wanaaring or Wilcannia RLPB districts during February, after the influx of adults in late January. Some breeding may have occurred in January in the Bourke and Brewarrina RLPBs and could produce medium density nymphs in some areas in February.
South West
Broken Hill, Hillston and Balranald-Wentworth RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The overall locust population density in surveyed areas in this region remained low during January, but high density young adults and several nymphal bands developed in a small area between Broken Hill and Menindee, as a result of local breeding during December.
- Surveys were carried out in all RLPB districts in January, with only occasional Isolated density adults found in Balranald-Wentworth and Hillston RLPBs. There were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in the Broken Hill district, but following a report on 21 January, several small Bands of third and fourth instar nymphs and Concentration–swarm density young adults were found on ‘Eureka’, near Quondong, southeast of Broken Hill. Surveys of the area indicate that the area of high density locusts is confined to within a few kilometres of the main road.
- Fowlers Gap light trap caught low numbers of locusts on several nights during January.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) in Broken Hill district during 8–15 January. Heavy storm rains (>40 mm) fell in the eastern Broken Hill and in Hillston district during 16–23 January, with moderate falls (20-40 mm) in the Wentworth-Balranald district, and further light rains (<20 mm) in Broken Hill and Hillston districts in the last week of the month. Vegetation will respond in Hillston and Broken Hill districts.
Forecast
- The high density young adults and nymphs near Quondong are likely to be the result of an extended pariod of localised breeding, following the storm rains in the Broken Hill area in late November and mid-December. Eggs laid in late November would have developed to the young adult stage, while eggs laid after the 21 December storms would have given rise to mid-instar nymphs by 22 January. The small area of high density locusts suggests only sporadic breeding, probably by the localised population already in that area in November.
- Fledging of the remaining nymphs at Quondong will occur in early February and will contribute to a local increase in adult densities. Rainfall in the Menindee area and in Hillston district at the end of January could allow medium density breeding in these areas during February. A further generation of nymphs could be produced in late February in these areas.
- Low density immigration is possible from the Far West region, where adult numbers increased during January. This could increase the adult population in February and some breeding could occur, particularly in part of Hillston or Broken Hill districts
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk of a local increase in population during February, following fledging of the small infestation near Quondong. There is also a risk of further breeding in parts of Hillston or Broken Hill RLPB areas during February following rains at the end of January.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
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There was an increase in overall locust population from the very low level detected in December. There were consistent low density counts in most areas, with small areas of medium–high density adults found in Riverina and Murray RLPB districts. No nymphs were found during survey.
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Surveys were conducted in Hay, Murray, Narrandera and Riverina districts in late January. Isolated–Scattered density adults were found in surveyed areas of Hay and Narrandera districts, with occasional Isolated–Scattered density adults in Riverina RLPB. However, Numerous density adults were found in the Urana–Lockhart area in Murray RLPB, and there were further reports of up to Numerous density adults from near Morundah in late January.
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Following information from Riverina RLPB district, one small area of Concentration density adults was found to the southwest of Mathoura on 23 January. These locusts had been present in the area since before 10 January.
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There were moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Hay, Narrandera, Murray and Riverina districts during 16–23 January, which will produce some green vegetation response in February.
Forecast
- While locust population density remained generally low, the occurrence of Numerous density locusts in Murray district, and the Concentration near Mathoura, suggest possible immigration from regions to the north in early January. Surveys in early December in the Riverina had found no evidence of breeding and very low numbers of adults, particularly in the Urana–Lockhart area.
- Rainfall in mid-January may lead to localised breeding in parts of this region and some medium density nymphs could appear in February.
- Low numbers of adults may have migrated from this region into the adjacent part of North Central Victoria in January.
Risk(s)
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There is a risk that breeding of adults following the late January rains could result in medium density nymphs and a population increase during the forecast period.
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There is a risk of further immigration from the Central West or Northwest Plains in late February or March, which could contribute to the autumn breeding population in the Riverina.
Central West
Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPBLocusts and conditions
- The locust population increased to medium density in Nyngan and Coonamble RLPB districts during January, and a Concentration of young adults was found at one location near Trangie in late January. Surveys found generally low densities in other districts during January.
- Surveys were conducted in Nyngan, Coonamble, Dubbo and Condobolin RLPB districts during January. Isolated–Scattered density adults were found in Dubbo and Condobolin districts, with consistent Scattered, and up to Numerous densities in Coonamble and Nyngan districts. Present density fifth instar nymphs were recorded in a several locations in Coonamble district and near Trundle in the north of Condobolin district.
- Following a report from Trangie, a small area of Concentration density young adults and Present density fifth instar nymphs was identified, apparently restricted to a single property. A proportion of the adults were developing eggs at the end of January.
- There were moderate–heavy rains (20->40 mm) in Nyngan, Coonamble, Coonabarabran and Dubbo districts during 16–23 January, with lighter falls in Condobolin and Forbes districts. There were further patchy moderate to locally heavy falls in Nyngan, Dubbo, Molong and Forbes districts during the last week of January.
Forecast
- Several rainfall events during December could have resulted in successful breeding, but surveys suggest only sporadic low density egg laying. The heavy rains of mid-January will again produce widespread suitable habitat in most districts during February.
- The young adults and nymphs near Trangie are likely to have been produced from localised breeding following heavy rain in mid-December. That cohort is also likely to have laid eggs in other parts of the Nyngan, Coonamble and Condobolin districts, as indicated by the Present density fifth instar nymphs found on survey, and an increase in adult population may occur from early February.
- Redistribution of adults in the Central West during late December and early January is indicated by several reports of locust activity at that time. It may also have been associated with breeding in early January, and a further cohort of nymphs may develop during early February.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk of a population increase during the forecast period from breeding in mid-December and also in early January. Further breeding by adults fledging in late January is also possible from mid-February in all RLPB districts.
- There is also a risk of a further population increase in March, resulting from immigration of adults produced after fledging of the high density nymph population on the Northwest Plains.
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board.
A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
QUEENSLAND
Southwest
Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire
Locusts and conditions
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The adult locust population increased from low to medium densities in parts of Barcoo, Quilpie and Bulloo Shires during January, probably as a result of immigration from the east in January and low level breeding in November. Locust activity was reported from near Thargomindah several times during the month and it is likely that migratory redistribution will result in changes to locust distribution in the region. No nymphs were found during surveys but access to habitats along river systems was restricted due to flooding.
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Surveys in mid-January found consistent Scattered–Numerous density adult locusts from Windorah to ‘Currawilla’ in Barcoo Shire and from Thargimindah to Tickalara in Bulloo Shire. Numerous density adults were also found near Eromanga in Quilpie Shire. Elsewhere in these districts and in Diamantina Shire the adult population was at Isolated–Scattered densities.
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The light trap at ‘Nooyeah Downs’ caught locusts during 1–9 January, with a peak of 350 on 8 January. There were strong winds predominantly from the east during this period, so it is possible these catches represent a migratory influx from the east. Adult locust numbers were also reported as fluctuating in the area on several days in the second half of January, suggesting continued adult redistribution activity.
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There were light rains (<20 mm) in Quilpie Shire during 8–15 January, and light–moderate falls (<40 mm) along the eastern edge of Quilpie and and Bulloo Shires during 15–23 January. There were further light falls in parts of Quilpie Shire in the last week of January. Floodwaters along the Bulloo and other rivers in this region will produce localised favourable habitats during the forecast period.
Forecast
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No nymphs were found during surveys in January, suggesting that no significant breeding occurred in late November or early December. However, restricted access to some areas of habitat due to flooding reduced the coverage of surveys in eastern Barcoo and Quilpie Shires.
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Flooding of rivers in the eastern part of this region may provide further suitable localised habitat conditions for breeding as floodwaters recede.
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Fluctuating numbers of adults in the ‘Nooyeah Downs’ area during January suggest redistribution activity and some locusts may have migrated to the southwest into adjacent areas of NSW, where swarms were reported in late January. Adults may also have been active in that area as floodwaters of the Bulloo River exposed suitable habitat for oviposition. There may also have been some breeding in flood-affected areas of Bulloo and Barcoo Shires in late during January, which could produce a generation of nymphs during February.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that localised breeding may have occurred in parts of Quilpie, Barcoo and Bulloo Shires during January, which could produce nymphs during February.
Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (QDPI&F). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
Central West and Northwest
Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Boulia, Cloncurry, Flinders, Hughenden, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Longreach, Mckinlay, Mt Isa, Richmond, Tambo & Winton Shire
Locusts and conditions
- The locust population in areas surveyed remained generally low in this region during January, but surveys were restricted by flooding in some areas.
- Limited surveys were conducted in Longreach, Ilfracombe, Barcaldine, Blackall and Tambo Shires during January. Consistent counts of Isolated–Scattered density adults were found in most areas. Surveys through Boulia and Winton Shires of Northwest Qld in mid-January also found Isolated–Scattered density adults.
- Longreach light trap recorded over 50 locusts on each night during 7–9 January and low numbers on several other nights during the month. Wind direction was from the southeast during this period.
- Rainfall during January was dominated by storm rains which brought locally very heavy falls. There were heavy rains (>40 mm) in Winton and northern parts of McKinlay and Richmond Shires of the Northwest during 8–15 January. In the Central West there were moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Longreach and Aramac Shires, with light falls in Barcaldine, Isisford, Blackall and Tambo Shires during 8–15 January. There were heavy rains (>50 mm) in most shires during 16–23 January, with moderate falls in Longreach Shire. In the last week of January there were light rains in Blackall and Tambo Shires.
Forecast
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Despite continuing heavy rainfall in Tambo, Aramac, Barcaldine and Blackall Shires of the Central West during January, and an expectation that some local population increases were likely, surveys in January did not detect evidence of significant breeding. Access to some habitat areas was hampered by heavy rains and flooding, but adult densities remained at mostly Scattered density. Vegetation conditions were green throughout the region and other species have increased to high densities in places.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low risk that breeding by adults in the region during January will produce a low density generation of nymphs from late February, particularly in parts of Tambo, Blackall or Aramac Shires.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
-
There were no APLC surveys in this region during January and there were no reports of locust activity. Heavy rains caused major flooding in parts of the region during January.
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Locust numbers remained low in the Taroom area after control in early December and there were no reports during January.
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Rainfall during January was dominated by storms which brought heavy flood rains in several shires. There were light rains (<20 mm) in Emerald, Peak Downs and Belyando Shire in the first week of January, with patchy moderate–heavy rains (30–50 mm) in Bauhinia and Taroom Shires during 8–15 January. Heavy flood rains (50->100 mm) fell in all shires during 16–23 January, causing record flooding in Emerald Shire.
Forecast
- The flood conditions in Emerald and Jericho Shires during January are likely to have been unfavourable for locusts.
- Locust numbers remained low in Taroom Shire during January, indicating successful control by landholders, QDPI&F and Shire officers, but also probable emigration of young adults into parts of the adjacent Darling Downs, during December.
- Vegetation and soil conditions remain favourable in many areas for breeding of the residual adult population, but flooding could reduce survival of eggs or nymphs.
- Some low density breeding is possible in the Arcadia Valley of Bauhinia Shire, and the appearance of some nymphs and a small increase in population could occur during February.
Risk(s)
- There is a low probability of population increase from breeding of residual adults in parts of this region during January and February.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Booringa, Bendemeer, Chinchilla, Inglewood, Milmerran, Murilla, Murweh, Paroo, Tara, Taroom, Waggamba, Wambo & Warroo ShireLocusts and conditions
- Surveys were conducted in the southern parts of Paroo and Balonne Shires in late January. Following a report an infestation of mid-instar nymphs was confirmed on a property in the south of Balonne Shire. There were no reports of locusts from other shires in the region.
- Bands of nymphs were reported from ‘Carinya’, south of Dirranbandi, on 26 January. Survey on 31 January confirmed several third and fourth instar Bands averaging 50 m long in crop stubble paddocks.
- There was light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of Balonne, Bungil and Bendemeer Shires, and moderate falls in parts of Waggamba Shire in South Central Qld during the first week of January, with further light and locally heavy falls (20-40 mm) in Murweh, Booringa and Bungil Shires during 8–15 January. Heavy rains (>50 mm) fell in all shires of South Central Qld during 16–23 January. On the Darling Downs there were light rains in most shires during 8–15 January, with moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Waggamba, Tara, Murilla and Chinchilla Shires during 16–23 January.
Forecast
- The nymphs south of Dirranbandi are the result of egg laying in early January, and are part of the more widespread cohort of nymphs which have produced bands in the Mungindi–Moree area on the NSW Northwest Plains, where swarms appeared in early January. The nymphs on ‘Carinya’ may be from an earlier laying than those at Mungindi, and fledging will begin from the second week of February.
- The continued heavy storm rains in South Central Qld during January will maintain suitable soil conditions for breeding and vegetation conditions for nymphal survival. It is possible that early January egg laying was more widespread in Balonne and Waggamba Shires, and that nymphs will appear in other areas, or that adult population will increase after nymphs fledge in mid-February.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that egg laying in early January occurred in other parts of the region, particularly in Waggamba and Balonne Shires, and that further bands will be reported in early February. There is also a chance of some adult swarms developing in the NSW border area in mid-February.
Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (QDPI&F). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
VICTORIA
Locusts and conditions
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The locust population in Victoria is expected to have remained low during January. There were no reports of locust activity.
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North Central Victoria received heavy rainfall (>40 mm) during 16–23 January, with lighter rains (20-30 mm) in Northwest Victoria.
Forecast
Forecast
- Low numbers of adult locusts may have migrated into the Echuca–Kerang area of North Central Victoria during January, as the overall adult population increased in the Riverina during January and a small areas of high density locusts were reported near Mathoura. These locusts are likely to have migrated into the Riverina from regions further to the north during late December and early January.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that any immigrant adults may have bred at low densities following the heavy rains in North Central Victoria in mid-January.
Locust activity should be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. 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
Far North, Northwest, Northeast Agricultural & Western Agricultural
Locusts and conditions
- No surveys were conducted in South Australia during January and there were no reports of locust activity.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during January.
- Scattered light rains (<20 mm) fell in the Northeast region around the southern Flinders Ranges during the second and third week of January.
Forecast
- The population in the southern Flinders Ranges area of Northeast South Australia during November may have persisted at low densities in localised green vegetation areas.
- Low density adult immigration from the Far West of New South Wales could bring some adults into the northern Flinders Ranges areas in February
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified for this region.
Locust activity should be reported to Primary Industries & Resources, South Australia.
A toll-free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
Place Name Key for Rainfall Distribution Map
| Queensland | Northern Territory | New South Wales | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo | Boulia | AS | Alice Springs | B | Bourke |
| Br | Brisbane | TC | Tennant Creek | BH | Broken Hill |
| Bi | Birdsville | Du | Dubbo | ||
| Ch | Charleville |
South Australia |
Ha | Hay | |
| CT | Charters Towers | Ad | Adelaide | Iv | Ivanhoe |
| Em | Emerald | CP | Coober Pedy | Na | Narrabri |
| Hu | Hughenden | Ma | Marree | Sy | Sydney |
| JC | Julia Creek | Oo | Oodnadatta | Ti | Tibooburra |
| LH | Lawn Hill | PA | Port Augusta | Wy | West Wyalong |
| Lo | Longreach | Yu | Yunta | ||
| No | Normanton | ||||
| Qu | Quilpie | Victoria | |||
| SG | St. George | Ho | Horsham | ||
| Ur | Urandangi | Me | Melbourne | ||
| Wi | Windorah | Mi | Mildura | ||
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.
|
Nymphs Densities |
Number per m2 |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Present (P) |
1 - 5 |
|
|
Numerous (Num) |
6 - 30 |
|
|
Sub-band (SB) |
31 - 80 |
|
|
Band (B) |
> 80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adults Densities |
Number per m2 |
Number per hectare |
|
Isolated (Iso) |
- 0.02 |
< 200 |
|
Scattered (Scat) |
0.03 - 0.1 |
>200 - 1000 |
|
Numerous (Num) |
0.2 - 0.5 |
>1000 - 5000 |
|
Concentration (Conc) |
0.6 - 3.0 |
>5000 - 30,000 |
|
Low Density Swarm (LDS) |
4.0 - 10 |
>30,000 - 100,000 |
|
Medium Density Swarm (MDS) |
11 - 50 |
>100,000 - 500,000 |
|
High Density Swarm (HDS) |
> 50 |
>500,000 |
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.
|
State |
Authority to report locust infestations to |
|---|---|
|
New South Wales |
Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) or NSW Department of Primary Industries |
|
Queensland |
Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (DPI&F) |
|
South Australia |
Primary Industries & Resources South Australia (PIRSA) Plant Health |
|
Victoria |
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria - Plague Locust information |
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
Australian Plague Locust Commission website
General regions referred to in the Bulletin
Location of APLC light traps (black circles).
Locust habitat areas shaded.
