Page Content
Locust Bulletin January 2008
The printed version of the Locust Bulletin is produced monthly 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.
The HTML page below follows the structure of the Bulletin with the 'General Locust Situation', the 'Australian Plague Locust Situation' for each state and the maps. The Bulletin is also available for download as a PDF document.
Download the January Bulletin 
PDF [1.3mb]
Locust Bulletin January 2008 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map December 2007
Rainfall events December 2007
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in December 2007 and outlook to mid-February 2008
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
The decline in the adult locust population in eastern Queensland during November left only low densities in South Central Queensland, on the Darling Downs and in the southern Central Highlands during December. The combined efforts of landholders, QDPI&F and Shire staff in controlling small bands of nymphs in the Taroom area and also the northern Darling Downs before mid-December reduced the population of nymphs. Fledging of nymphs occurred during December, but no adult swarms had been reported from that area at the end of December. With the outlook for high summer rainfall in the Queensland Central Highlands, Darling Downs, Central West and South Central regions, there remains a potential for further breeding of residual adults.
Surveys during early December in areas of Queensland and New South Wales that continued to receive heavy rainfall did not detect evidence of significant locust breeding. However, soil and vegetation conditions remain favourable for locust breeding across large areas of Queensland and New South Wales. Some breeding may have occurred in favourable habitats during December and nymphs at various stages may be found during January. The overall probability of a significant infestation developing by February has declined, but an increase in adult locust population to medium and locally high densities is likely during January and breeding could occur in the Central West, Northwest Plains or Far West New South Wales, and Southwest, South Central or Central West Queensland.
Surveys in Queensland during December found consistent low density adults in most areas, but access to some habitat areas was limited by heavy storm rains and flooding. There were continued widespread heavy rains through South Central, Central West and the Central Highlands of Queensland during December. Vegetation and soil conditions will be suitable for locust breeding for several weeks, and flooding of some rivers will extend suitable habitats to downstream areas.
In New South Wales medium density adults were found in a few locations in the Central West and Far West regions, with low densities in most other areas. Adult locust numbers declined in the area near Manilla by early December and there were no further locust reports from the Tamworth RLPB. Low density nymphs were reported from the Northern Slopes RLPB in mid-December. Heavy rains occurred throughout the Northwest Plains, Central West and Riverina during December and have produced suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust breeding in many areas.
There were no reports during December from the southern Flinders Ranges area in Northeast South Australia, where there were medium density locusts in November. Moderate rainfall in mid-December in this region and parts of the Northwest and Western Agricultural regions of South Australia may have allowed any residual low density adults to breed in late December.
There were no reports of locust activity from Victoria during December.
Adult locust numbers declined during December in the Southern Agricultural Region of Western Australia, following control by the Department of Agriculture and Food in the Ravensthorpe and Esperance Shires in November. There were no reports of locust activity from these areas during December.
7 January 2008
There was a widespread low-medium density adult population throughout all Shires of Central West Queensland during December. Scattered-Numerous density adults were also found in Winton and Boulia Shires of Northwest Qld during November. In South Central Qld, there were Isolated–Scattered density adults in Balonne, Bungil, Booringa, Warroo Shires and also in Taroom and Bauhinia Shires in the southern Central Highlands. Occasional Isolated–Scattered density adults were also found in Walgett, Brewarrina, Moree and Northern Slopes RLPB areas in northern NSW during December, and Present density nymphs were found at one location in Moree RLPB.
Adults usually migrate and disperse to commence breeding at the beginning of the northern wet season. High numbers of adults were caught during 10–14 December in the Longreach light trap (with a peak of 368 on 12 December), while low numbers were caught on several nights at during December Julia Creek. This is consistent with further migratory activity during the month. Low density mid-instar nymphs were recorded in Aramac Shire in mid-December, which suggest that first breeding commenced in this area following heavy rains in mid-November. The continued heavy storm rains in Central West and South Central Qld and the Central Highlands during December will allow continued breeding in these regions and will provide conditions for a high rate of nymphal survival during January. Nymphs ranging in age from early to late instars are likely to be found in Central West Qld during the forecast period.
Adult locusts at low densities were found during surveys in Bauhinia Shire during early December. There were Isolated–Scattered density locusts in the Arcadia Valley and also Present–Numerous density mid-instar nymphs. The surveys indicate a second generation of breeding in the southern Central Highlands, but at this stage no gregarious high density populations have been reported. These nymphs will have fledged in late December and the subsequent adult generation may breed after late December or January rains. Continued rainfall in the Central Highlands, South Central Queensland and Central West during December and the seasonal expectation of above average rainfall over summer could result in further successful breeding of these adults and a subsequent population increase during January–February.
-
Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 December to 31 December 2007
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
Far Western
Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Milparinka, Wanaaring & Wilcannia RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The overall locust population density in surveyed areas in this region remained low during December, with occasional Isolated density adults in most areas. However, up to Numerous density adults were found near Brewarrina and Wilcannia in early December. Vegetation conditions were dry in most western areas in December, but heavy rainfall in Brewarrina and Bourke RLPB areas will provide suitable conditions for locust breeding during January.
- Surveys were conducted through Bourke, Brewarrina, Wilcannia and northern Broken Hill RLPB areas during December. Isolated density adults were found in most areas, with some Scattered densities in Wilcannia and Broken Hill districts. Present density third instar nymphs were also found at one location near Wilcannia. November surveys had identified similar low densities in Wanaaring, Milparinka and Bourke RLPBs, but Scattered and up to Numerous density adults were found north of Enngonia in Bourke RLPB.
- No locust activity was recorded by the White Cliffs light trap during December.
- There were moderate rains (20-30 mm) in part of Bourke and Cobar RLPBs during the first week of December, with heavy storms in parts of Brewarrina RLPB. Further heavy rains (>40 mm) fell in Cobar, Bourke and Brewarrina RLPB during 17-23 December, with light–moderate moderate (15-40 mm) falls in Wilcannia and Wanaaring RLPBs. A widespread summer growth of pasture vegetation will occur in the eastern parts of this region during January.
Forecast
- The continued heavy rainfall in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Cobar RLPB areas during December will maintain green vegetation suitable for locust breeding, but no significant increase in adult population was detected in December. Breeding of the low-medium density locusts in the Wilcannia RLPB area may also occur, following rains in Wilcannia and Broken Hill RLPB areas. Given the low overall population density in this region, however, any nymphs emerging during January are likely to be at low-medium densities.
- Some adult migration may have occurred in Brewarrina and Bourke RLPBs in December, supplementing the local breeding population in favourable habitat. Nymphs from possible breeding in late November will fledge during January, and further adult breeding may occur following the heavy rains in mid-December.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk that breeding in the Bourke and Brewarrina RLPBs in December November could produce medium density nymphs in some areas in late December or January.
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.
South West
Broken Hill, Hillston and Balranald-Wentworth RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Adult population densities remained low in this region during December and vegetation was dry in most districts except parts of Broken Hill RLPB. There were no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys were carried out in all RLPB districts in mid-December, with only occasional Isolated density adults found in Balranald-Wentworth and Hillston RLPBs. There were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in the Broken Hill RLPB and there were areas of green vegetation in this district. Numerous density adults were found at one location near Kyalite in Balranald-Wentworth RLPB.
- Fowlers Gap light trap caught low numbers of locust on the first three days of December.
- There were light to moderate rains (15-40 mm) in the Balranald and Hillston areas during 17-23 December, with light falls in Wentworth and Broken Hill districts, and locally heavy storms around Broken Hill.
Forecast
- The low adult population density found in December would indicate that, in the absence of immigration, any breeding following the rains during December-January would be at low densities. Some breeding is possible in parts of the Broken Hill RLPB that received storm rains.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk of a small increase in population in January from breeding in parts of Hillston or Broken Hill RLPB areas during December.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
-
Surveys were conducted in all RLPB districts during December and locust population density remained low throughout the region.
-
Surveys in mid-December found Isolated–Scattered density adults in Hay, Narrandera and Murray RLPB areas, with only Isolated density adults in Riverina RLPB. Present density mid-instar nymphs were found at one location south of Hay.
-
The infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in parts of the Riverina declined to low densities by December, with only Isolated and Scattered density adults seen.
-
There was a report from Murray RLPB at the start of January 2008 of Scattered density adult locusts in the Jerilderie–Lockhart area.
-
There were light (<20 mm) rains throughout the region in the first week of December and further light falls in Riverina, Murray and Wagga districts during 9–16 December. Heavy rainfall (>40 mm) occurred throughout all RLPB districts during 17–23 December, which will produce or extend summer pasture growth in most areas.
Forecast
- While locust population density remained low, the occurrence of consistent Isolated and Scattered density adults in parts of Hay and Narrandera RLPBs, and the report from Murray RLPB, indicate a breeding adult population of up to Numerous density in places. Widespread heavy rains in December will produce suitable conditions for breeding and a nymphal generation may appear from mid-January.
Risk(s)
-
There is a risk that low density breeding of adults following the late December rains could result in medium density nymphs and a population increase during the forecast period.
Central West
Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPBLocusts and conditions
- Locust population density was low in surveyed areas of this region during November and December, but medium densities were found in the Quambone area in late November.
- Surveys were conducted in Nyngan and Coonamble RLPBs at the end of November and in Condobolin, Coonamble, Coonabarabran and Dubbo RLPB areas in early December. Isolated–Scattered density adults were found in most areas, with up to Numerous density adult locusts found at several locations in the ‘Fairholme’-Quambone area in the east of Nyngan RLPB.
- The infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in parts of Nyngan and Condobolin RLPB areas had declined by December, with only Isolated density adults found on survey.
- There were moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Nyngan, Coonamble, Molong and Coonabarabran districts during the first week of December, with light falls (<20 mm) in most other districts. All RLPB districts received heavy (>40 mm) rains during 17–23 December with some parts of Coonamble, Nyngan and Coonabarabran RLPBs receiving flood rains (>100 mm). These heavy rains will extend suitable vegetation conditions for locust breeding throughout the forecast period.
Forecast
- Several rainfall events during November and December could have resulted in successful breeding, but surveys suggest only sporadic low density breeding. The heavy flood rains of late December will however produce widespread suitable breeding conditions in most districts during January.
- Medium density breeding could produce nymphs from mid-January and further breeding may occur near streamlines after the retreat of floodwaters.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk of a population increase during the forecast period from breeding of medium density adults in all RLPB districts.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The locust population level in this region remained generally low in areas surveyed during December, and numbers declined in the area where high density adults were found near Manilla in November. However several reports of medium density adults in Walgett RLPB from late December indicate increasing locust activity.
- Surveys in early December through Walgett, Moree and Tamworth RLPB areas found Isolated-Scattered density locusts in most areas, and consistent Scattered densities from Walgett to Burren Junction and around Manilla in Tamworth RLPB. Elsewhere only occasional Isolated density adults were found.
- Following reports from the Croppa Creek area of Northern Slopes RLPB area in mid-December, RLPB staff identified third and fourth instar nymphs at Present–Numerous density on several properties.
- Adult locusts and low density mid-instar nymphs were reported from 40 km west of Walgett at the start of January. Adults were also reported flying at night at Walgett on 2 January.
- There were moderate rains (20-40 mm) in all RLPB districts during the first week of December, with heavy falls (>50 mm) in Tamworth RLPB, and further light–moderate falls during 9–16 December. Heavy rains (>40 mm) fell in all districts during 17–23 December. The continued rains during December will maintain green pastures in most areas throughout the forecast period.
Forecast
-
Reports of increased locust activity from the Walgett RLPB from late December indicate some low density breeding in December, and also adult redistribution and the possibility of further breeding in this district. Any breeding in early January could produce nymphs from late January.
-
The age of nymphs reported from the Northern Slopes RLPB indicate egg laying took place in mid-November and may have resulted from immigration of adults from the southern Darling Downs, where Concentration and swarm density adults developing eggs were found in early November. Those nymphs will have fledged at the end of December and may contribute to a small population increase in the region.
-
While adult densities declined in the Manilla area and there were no further reports from Tamworth RLPB, heavy rains in that district in December would provide suitable conditions for the survival of nymphs from any local breeding.
-
The continued low densities in Northern Slopes, Moree and Narrabri RLPB areas in December, despite green vegetation, suggests no significant breeding during November.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk that further breeding in Walgett RLPB, following adult redistribution in early January, could produce nymphs at medium to high densities during January. There is a low risk of breeding resulting in a population increase in other districts.
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
-
Locust population density remained generally low in the parts of this region surveyed during December, despite rains in several areas during November. There were no reports of locust activity.
-
In mid-December consistent Scattered density adults were found in the Windorah–Retreat area and near Stonehenge in Barcoo Shire. Previous surveys in November in Quilpie and Bulloo Shires found occasional Isolated density adults, with Scattered density in parts of Diamantina Shire. Scattered and occasional Numerous density adult locusts were found in late November in northern Barcoo Shire around Stonehenge and also in the area west of Windorah.
-
The light trap at ‘Nooyeah Downs’ caught locusts during 5–10 December and also on several nights at the end of the month.
-
Rainfall during December was dominated by storm rains which brought locally heavy falls. There were light falls (<20 mm) in Barcoo and Bulloo Shires, with moderate and locally heavy (20->40 mm) in parts of Quilpie Shire. There were patchy light-moderate falls (<20-40 mm) in Barcoo, Quilpie and parts of Bulloo Shire during 17–23 December, and light rains in Diamantina Shire. In the last week of December there were further light falls in Diamantina, Barcoo and Quilpie Shires, with locally heavy storms in northern Quilpie and Barcoo Shires.
Forecast
-
No significant population increase was detected during December, but surveys were limited and access restricted in eastern Barcoo and Quilpie Shire. The continued heavy rains during December in these areas will provide further opportunities for locust breeding. Any nymphs from breeding in late November will fledge in early January, and nymphs from eggs laid following rains in December may be found during January, particularly in eastern Barcoo Shire. Moderate rains also fell in eastern Bulloo Shire during 17–23 December, and localised breeding may result during January.
-
Flooding of rivers in the eastern part of this region may provide further suitable localised habitat conditions for breeding after floodwaters recede.
-
Immigration from the east may have increased the breeding population during December and January. Locust breeding in favourable habitat areas and a subsequent increase in population during February is likely in parts of this region.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk of breeding in Quilpie, Barcoo and Bulloo Shires during January and the development of a nymphal generation in favourable habitat areas by the end of the month. There is a low risk that a population increase resulting from breeding of locusts during December, particularly in Quilpie and eastern Barcoo Shires, could increase the January breeding population to high densities in some locations.
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 remained generally low in this region during November and December, but an increase to medium densities was detected in some locations.
- Surveys were conducted in Longreach, Isisford, Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall and Tambo Shires during December. Consistent counts of Scattered density adults were found in Tambo Shire, near Bimerah, in the south of Longreach Shire, and also Numerous density adults near Emmet, in Isisford Shire, with Isolated to Scattered densities in most other areas. Earlier surveys through Boulia and Winton Shires of Northwest Qld in mid-November found Scattered density adults in several locations south of Boulia and near ‘Davenport Downs’.
- Julia Creek light trap recorded low numbers of locusts on several nights during December and Longreach light trap recorded locusts during 10-13 December.
- Rainfall during December was dominated by storm rains which brought locally very heavy falls. There were moderate falls (20-40 mm) in northern parts of McKinlay, Mt Isa and Cloncurry Shires of the Northwest region in the first week of December, and moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Winton, Richmond and Flinders Shires during 9–16 December. There were further light–moderate falls in these districts and Boulia Shire during 17–23 December. In the Central West, all Shires received moderate–heavy rainfall (30-50 mm) during 9–16 December, and further moderate rains fell in Longreach and Isisford Shires, with light falls (<20 mm) in Tambo, Barcaldine, Aramac and Blackall Shires, during 17–23 December. In the last week of December all Shires in the Central West, and parts of Winton Shire, received in the Northwest, heavy rains (>35 mm).
Forecast
-
Despite continuing heavy rainfall in most of the Central West during December, and an expectation that some local population increases were likely, surveys in mid-December 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 in numbers.
-
Heavy rainfall in Tambo, Aramac, Barcaldine and Blackall Shires during December will maintain vegetation and soil conditions suitable for locust breeding. While the known current population in these areas is generally low, an increase in adult locust population from redistribution and breeding is likely during January. It is possible that adult locusts may aggregate to breed in higher densities if areas of suitable habitat become more restricted.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low risk that breeding by adults in the region during December and January will produce a generation of nymphs at medium densities from late December, particularly in parts of Tambo, Blackall or Aramac Shires.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
-
Adult locust population density remained low in those districts surveyed during December, after the the decline of adult numbers in the Taroom Shire during November. Small bands of nymphs were identified on a number of properties in the area during early December. Control of bands in the Grosmont area by the QDPI&F, Shire officers and landholders reduced the size of developing bands and the threat of swarms from this area during December. APLC aerial survey of the infestation area identified several small areas of band infestation, and QDPI&F carried out aerial control of 1000 ha on 9 December.
-
Surveys in southern Bauhinia Shire in early December, including the Arcadia Valley, identified Scattered density locusts in some areas, along with other grasshopper species. Oedeleus australis grasshoppers at up to Concentration density were widespread in Bauhinia and Taroom Shires. Reports of locusts near Lake Nugga Nugga in mid-December were found to be predominantly this species.
-
Intensive surveys in the Taroom Shire during early December identified several bands up to 100 m long in the area between Grosmont and Taroom, but only Isolated–Scattered density adult locusts. The majority of nymphs were at third and fourth instar stage during early December.
-
Rainfall during December was dominated by storm rains which brought locally very heavy falls. In the first week of December there were moderate rains (20-40 mm) with locally heavy storms in Bauhina, Emerald, Belyando and Taroom Shires. There were moderate-heavy (30->50) rains in Jericho and Bauhinia Shires, with heavy storm rains in Taroom Shire during 9–16 December. There were moderate falls, along with patchy heavy storm rains in all shires during 17–23 December, and in the last week of the month all Shires except Taroom received further heavy (>40 mm) storm rains. Pasture vegetation is green in most parts of this region, however at the end of December vegetation was drying off in the southern part of Taroom Shire.
Forecast
- Remaining nymphs in the Taroom Shire will have fledged by late December and this may result in some increase in adult population to medium densities in January. No swarms had been reported from the Taroom area at the end of December. Some emigration of young adults may have redistributed the population in this region, or into parts of the adjacent Darling Downs, during December.
- Vegetation and soil conditions remain favourable in some areas for breeding of the residual adult population. Low to medium density nymphs may appear from mid-January.
- 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 January.
Risk(s)
- There was a substantial reduction of bands on properties where control was carried out in December. As a result the risk from swarms developing from this generation has also declined. There is a low risk from population increase during January and February that could result from breeding of residual adults in parts of this region.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Booringa, Bendemeer, Chinchilla, Inglewood, Milmerran, Murilla, Murweh, Paroo, Tara, Taroom, Waggamba, Wambo & Warroo ShireLocusts and conditions
- Surveys during early December identified only low densities of adult locusts, following the decline in adult numbers by late November. Third and fourth instar nymphs at low densities were found to the west of Surat in Warroo Shire in early December, but there may have been a more widespread low density nymphal population through these regions. Surveys were hampered by wet conditions and continued heavy storms at the time. Oedaleus australis (eastern plague grasshopper) at Scattered–Numerous densities were also widespread in those areas surveyed.
- Present density third and fourth instar nymphs were found near The Gums in Tara Shire in late November, and also to the west of Surat at ‘Ballaroo’ in Warroo Shire in early December.
- At the end of November landholders on ‘Wanka’, near Brigalow in Chinchilla Shire, carried out ground control of bands of young nymphs.
- There was moderate rainfall (20-40 mm) and patchy heavy storm rains in Paroo, Murweh, Booringa, Bungil Warroo and Bendemeer Shires in the first week of December, with lighter falls in Balonne Shire. On the Darling Downs there were moderate–heavy (20-40 mm) in Waggamba, Tara and Inglewood Shires with lighter falls in other areas. During 9–16 December there were heavy falls (>40 mm) in all areas of South Central Qld except Paroo Shire, and on the Darling Downs there were heavy falls in Chinchilla Shire and light rains (<20 mm) in most other areas. There were heavy rains (>40 mm) in parts of Paroo, Balonne and Waggamba Shires and moderate falls in Murweh, Bungil and Booringa Shires during 17–23 December. During the same period Tara and Waggamba Shires recieved moderate–heavy rains, while other Darling Downs shires received light rains. In the last week of December there were further moderate rains in northern Murweh and Booringa Shires, with light rains in most other areas.
Forecast
- The continued heavy storm rains throughout in this region during December will maintain suitable soil conditions for breeding and vegetation conditions for nymphal survival. While few nymphs were found during surveys in this region during early December, the nymphal population may have been more widespread. The nymphs in this region will have fledged in December, which may result in an increase in adult population during January.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk that breeding of adults fledged in December in the Surat–Goondiwindi area may produce a further generation of low density nymphs in January. There is also a risk that continued favourable vegetation conditions in Paroo and Murweh Shire may have resulted in breeding in localised areas in December, and that nymphs and young adults may be present at medium densities.
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
-
The locust population in Victoria is expected to have remained low during December. There were no reports of locust activity.
-
North Central Victoria received heavy rainfall (>40 mm) during 17–23 December, with light–moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Northwest Victoria.
Forecast
- There was no indication of any locust breeding in Victoria during December. With the low population level in southern New South Wales, there is unlikely to be any significant immigration into Victoria during the forecast period.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
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 December and there were no reports of locust activity. The locust population is expected to have remained generally low, with no opportunities for further breeding until after mid-December.
- In November PIRSA ans APLC surveys identified adult locusts up to Numerous density and Present density late instar nymphs in several areas of the Northeast region, including Yunta, Jamestown, Orroroo and Appila.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during December.
- Scattered light rains (<20 mm) fell in the Western Agricultural and the southern Northwest regions during 9–16 December and moderate and heavy storm rains (20-50 mm) in the same areas during 17–23 December, with lighter falls in the Northeast around the southern Flinders Ranges.
Forecast
- The population in the southern Flinders Ranges area of Northeast South Australia during November may have persisted in localised green vegetation areas and some low density breeding may have taken place from late November. Nymphs from any breeding at this time would be at fourth instar stage in early January and fledge from the middle of the month. Emigration of adults to adjacent regions may also have occurred. The rainfall during 17–23 December may have provided another opportunity for some low density breeding of this population.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that breeding of young adults in the southern Flinders Ranges area at the end of November or in December could have produced a further low density generation of nymphs and a further population increase during January.
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.
