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Locust Bulletin March 2008
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Locust Bulletin March 2008 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map February 2008
Rainfall events February 2008
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in February and outlook to mid-April 2008
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
The adult locust population increased in parts of Southwest Queensland, Far West New South Wales and the Far North of South Australia at the start of February as a result of migratory movements generally to the west. Localised high density breeding occurred after heavy rains and a number of small nymphal bands developed at the end of the month in the White-Cliffs–Tibooburra area in New South Wales, and in southern Barcoo Shire in Queensland. Fledging will occur in these areas during March and the formation of some localised swarms is likely.
In mid-February a number of late instar nymphal bands and small fledgling swarms were identified in the New South Wales Northwest Plains around Mungindi, Goodooga and Walgett, and north of Coonamble in the Central West. This population resulted from breeding in early January. Fledging was complete by the end of February and adult numbers declined in some locations, suggesting redistribution and migration of immature adults. This may have contributed to the increase in adult locust densities at the beginning of March in Central West New South Wales, where several swarms developed in the Nyngan and Coonamble areas, although there had been areas of medium density nymphs in this region during February. In late February there was a widespread population of low density late instar nymphs and newly fledged adults in the Riverina region of New South Wales, which resulted from egg laying by immigrant adults in late January.
Several swarms were identified in early February in the Birdsville–‘Arrabury’ area of Southwest Queensland, and north of Innaminka on ‘Cordillo Downs’ in the Far North of South Australia. Adults laid eggs in some locations and medium–high density nymphs may develop during March. Adult population density was low in other regions of Queensland and throughout other regions of South Australia during February.
At this stage the infestations have not warranted APLC aerial control, but close monitoring of the situation will continue. The increase in locust activity in New South Wales during February could result in significant autumn breeding in the Central West, Far West and the Riverina regions during March, with the potential for medium–high density nymphs to develop in some areas in spring. The nymphal population in Southwest Queensland will fledge in late March and some migration of adults into western New South Wales or South Australia could occur during April.
There were no reports of locust activity from Victoria, but low numbers of adults could have migrated into part of the North Central region from the Riverina during January, and there is the potential for migration into this region or Northwest Victoria during autumn.
There is a widespread low–medium density adult population throughout Central West, Northwest and the Central Highlands of Queensland, with up to high density young adults in some shires of the Central West. The fledging of nymphs during summer increased adult densities in parts of the Central West and the bulk of the population is now made up of immature adults. Highest densities identified during surveys in late February were in the Central West region, where Numerous and Concentration density adults, along with late instar nymphs at Present–Numerous density, were found in Ilfracombe, Blackall, Isisford and Barcaldine Shires. In the Central Highlands there were consistent counts of adults at Scattered–Numerous density with occasional mid–late instar nymphs in some locations. Locust densities were generally lower in Northwest Queensland, with Scattered and up to Numerous density adults in some locations. Numerous density third instar nymphs were found in the area north of Winton, indicating January egg-laying.
Fledging of remaining nymphs from summer layings will continue during March, resulting in a peak in the adult population in autumn. High densities and some small swarms of adults may develop in the northern part of Central West Queensland, which is usual for this time of year. Immature adults often redistribute during autumn and form loose overwintering swarms, which may feed in green vegetation areas and roost in trees. The Longreach light trap caught moderate numbers of locusts during the first half of February, but these may have been adults from the previous season.
Surveys were conducted in all shires of the Central Highlands in late February and low density adults were identified in several locations. Adults up to Numerous density were found in the area west of Springsure in Bauhinia Shire. At the beginning of March small Bands of mid-instar nymphs were identified by Biosecurity Queensland staff in sorghum crops on properties in the area between Emerald and Springsure. Landholders on ‘Milroy Downs’ carried out control of nymphs in a sorghum crop on 3 March. Heavy rains in the first half of February have maintained green pasture conditions in the area south of Emerald and it is possible there may be other small areas of high density nymphs in this area. This is the third generation of nymphs identified in southern Bauhinia Shire since September. Fledging will occur in mid-March and there may be a resultant increase in the adult population in this area. This is the first gregarious population detected in the Central Highlands despite above-average monthly rainfall in eastern Queensland since winter 2007. While the risk of a significant infestation developing this locust season has declined, the seasonal outlook for above-average rainfall during autumn in northern Queensland could allow further gregarious breeding in the Central Highlands.
Surveys at the end of January in the Flinders Shire found Isolated and Scattered density adult locusts in the Hughenden area. Julia Creek light trap also caught low numbers of this species on several nights during February.
7 March 2008
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Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 February to 29 February 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
Central WestCoonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The adult locust population remained at low–medium density in most areas of this region during February, but localised breeding occurred in the north of Coonamble district in early January and near Nyngan at the end of January. In mid-February there were small bands of late instar nymphs near Wingadee in Coonamble district and early instar nymphs near Hermidale in Nyngan district.
- Surveys in mid-February through Nyngan, Dubbo and Coonamble districts found consistent Scattered density adults in most areas. Survey in the Condobolin district at the end of the month identified Scattered–Numerous density adults and occasional Present density fourth and fifth instar nymphs between Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin. There were Isolated density adults, along with other grasshopper species north of Condobolin. Scattered density adults and occasional Present density fifth instar nymphs were also found near Trundle in Forbes district.
- In late February several Concentrations and small swarms had formed in the area near Wingadee where there had been bands earlier in the month. Adult densities throughout Coonamble, Nyngan and Dubbo districts increased to consistent Scattered and Numerous density adults, as a result of the fledging of the January generation of nymphs. At the start of March a single Medium density swarm was detected at ‘Whitewood’ east of Nyngan, and there were reports of increased adult numbers in the Dubbo district.
- Following a report from ‘Thorndale’ near Hermidale, a small area of Sub-band second instar nymphs were identified in mid-February. There were other reports of low density nymphs from Nyngan, Condobolin and Molong districts at the end February.
- There were moderate–heavy rains (20–>50 mm) in all districts during the first week of February. There were light falls (<25 mm) in Condobolin, Nyngan and Forbes districts during 8–13 February, and moderate falls (20–40 mm) in Dubbo, Nyngan and Coonamble, and heavy falls in Coonabarabran RLPB district.
Forecast
- There appears to have been several periods of breeding in this region during summer; sporadic breeding in mid-December (at Trangie), breeding in early January giving rise to fledgling adults in mid-February (at Wingadee), breeding after mid-January producing late instar nymphs and fledglings at the end of February (Nyngan, Condobolin, Trundle), and the end of January (early instars at Hermidale).
- The adult population may increase to high densities in March when all cohorts of nymphs fledge, with the likelihood of further immigration from the Northwest Plains. The swarm near Nyngan in early March may have resulted from the aggregation of adults from other parts of the region, as well as fledging of local nymphs. Further swarms may develop during March and adults redistribute throughout the region to breed during March or April. Most eggs laid after mid-March would enter diapause with hatching extending during late August and September.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk from a further population increase during March as a result of fledging of the remaining nymphal population throughout the region and possible immigration from the Northwest Plains. Population densities may increase in eastern RLPB districts including Coonabarabran, Forbes, Parkes and Molong as adults move by day flight or night migration.
- There is a moderate risk that autumn egg laying could occur in a number of districts in the region and a significant nymphal population in spring. Vegetation and soil conditions remain suitable for breeding in most areas following continued rains during February.
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.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- In early February nymphs that hatched during January formed a number of mid-instar Bands in the Mungindi area in the Moree RLPB district, and in several locations in Walgett district. Fledging and some small swarm formation began in these locations by mid-February and a number of swarms of young adults developed in late February. At the end of the month adult numbers at these locations had declined to medium densities. Elsewhere in the region there was a low–medium density adult population.
- Surveys were conducted in early February and again in the middle of the month to monitor the extent and development of the infestation. Few nymphs were found outside the areas where were Bands near Mungindi and between Walgett and Cumborah. Most nymphs were at mid-instar stage at the start of February, and were predominantly fifth instars and fledgling adults by mid-February. Adults at Scattered–Numerous density were found elsewhere in the Moree and Walgett districts, with Isolated–Scattered adults in Narrabri and Northern Slopes districts.
- There were no reports of locust activity from Tamworth or Northern Slopes districts during February.
- There were heavy rains (>40 mm) in all districts during the first week of February, with further heavy falls in Moree and Northern Slopes districts, and light falls in other districts, during 8–13 February. There were variable light–moderate rains (10–30 mm) across all districts during the last week of the month. The continued widespread heavy rains during February have maintained green pastures in most areas.
Forecast
- The known distribution of bands and the few observations of lower density nymphs elsewhere in Moree and Walgett districts during February indicate localised high density layings during early January. Fallow paddocks may have been the only suitable habitat for egg laying, because of the dense pasture growth and the extent of flooding in January. Adults may have continued to move or migrate during January after laying in suitable areas.
- Fledging of nymphs was complete by late February and the decline in adult densities where there had been swarms in Moree and Walgett districts indicates redistribution or migration of young adults from these areas.
- A proportion of the adult population is likely to have migrated after mid-February and further migration is likely in March. Vegetation and soil conditions will remain favourable for locust breeding in most areas of this region and breeding of remaining adults at medium–high density is possible during March or April. Eggs laid during March would result in a partial hatching during April, with a proportion entering diapause, while nearly all eggs laid in April would enter diapause. Diapause eggs would begin hatching in August.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk of some breeding in suitable habitats of this region during autumn as adults redistribute or migrate. Migration to other districts in the region or to Central West and Far West NSW from Moree and Walgett districts is likely to continue during March.
- There is a low risk of further swarms forming in the Moree and Walgett districts as remaining adults mature and commence breeding. There is also a risk of a significant spring population if there is medium–high density breeding within the region.
Far West
Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Milparinka, Wanaaring & Wilcannia RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- In early February the adult locust population increased in the Wanaaring, Wilcannia and Milparinka districts following immigration from the northeast and east in late January. Localised breeding occurred in the White Cliffs–Wilcannia–Milparinka area following heavy rains in mid-January and further heavy rainfall in early February.
- Surveys were conducted in Milparinka, Wanaaring, Wilcannia and Brewarinna RLPB districts during February. Adult densities were Isolated–Scattered in most areas, but there were consistent Scattered and Numerous counts in Wanaaring and northern Wilcannia districts in early February.
- At the beginning of March several small areas of late instar nymphs at up to Band density were found on ‘Baronna Downs’ in the Wanaaring RLPB and also small Bands of third instar nymphs near Mt Sturt, in Milparinka RLPB. There were also widespread low density late instar nymphs in other locations in these districts.
- Several Bands of mid-instar instar nymphs were identified at ‘Golden Plains’ south of Goodooga in Brewarrina RLPB in early February.
- White Cliffs light trap continued to catch locusts (>50/night) during the first week of February, following a peak catch on 30 January.
- There was moderate rainfall (20–40 mm) Wanaaring, Bourke, Milparinka, Wilcannia and Cobar RLPB districts, with heavy falls around White Cliffs and Cobar during the first week of February. There were light rains (<20 mm) in the Bourke district and some heavy storm rains in the Brewarrina district during 8–13 February, and further moderate falls in Brewarrina district during the last week of February.
Forecast
-
First reports of locusts were from January 27 in the Wanaaring area, following heavy rains during 16–23 January. Surveys in early February recorded widespread Scattered and Numerous density adults in the Milparinka–White Cliffs area, but no higher densities. Vegetation and soil conditions were favourable for locust breeding and medium–high density egg laying took place in several locations. It is possible that adults continued to migrate to the northwest after breeding in this region.
-
Hatchings and the emergence of nymphs from breeding in late January occurred from mid-February, but the late instars and fledglings on ‘Baronna Downs’ would indicate breeding following the heavy rainfall in mid-January. Fledging of nymphs in this area will occur during the first half of March and may produce some small swarms and an increase in adult densities in the region.
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The Bands at ‘Golden Plains’ in the Brewarrina district were part of the cohort of nymphs from egg laying in early January on the Northwest Plains, and had fledged in by late February. There may have been a more widespread nymphal population in the east of the Brewarrina RLPB, as access was limited by flooding in many locations.
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Despite continued heavy rainfall in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Cobar RLPB areas during January and February, there appears to have been little significant breeding in these districts.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate probability of some small swarms developing at ‘Baronna Downs’ and an increase in adult population levels in the western districts of this region during March. Some breeding may have also have occurred in late January in other areas of the Bourke and Brewarrina districts that could produce medium density adults during March.
- There is risk that further migration of adults from the Northwest Plains occurred during February, which would supplement the adult population in this region.
- There is a risk of migration of adults from the Wanaaring and Milparinka RLPBs into South Australia, Southwest NSW or Southwest Qld during March.
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 February, but low density nymphs in the east of Hillston districts indicate some breeding at the end of January. There were no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys were carried out in Broken Hill and Hillston RLPB districts in late February, with only occasional Isolated density adults found in both districts. However, Present density fourth and fifth instar nymphs were found between Mossgiel and Hillston in areas of green vegetation.
- In the area near Quondong, southeast of Broken Hill, where there had been small nymphal bands and high density young adults in late January, numbers had declined to Isolated density adults in late February and vegetation conditions were becoming dry.
- Fowlers Gap light trap caught locusts during the first week of February, with a peak in numbers on 5 and 6 February. This is consistent with migratory activity in late January and early February.
- There were light–moderate rains (10–30 mm) in Hillston and Balranald-Wentworth districts during the first week of February. Pastures have dried off in the Broken Hill district, but green vegetation remained in the eastern part of Hillston district.
Forecast
- The decline in locust density near Quondong indicates likely emigration of young adults during February, although an increase in density in the Broken Hill district was not detected on survey.
- The occasional late instar nymphs in the Booligal–Mossgiel–Hillston area are the result of egg laying in late January, and are a similar age to nymphs in the Riverina. Sporadic low density breeding may also have occurred in the Ivanhoe–Menindee area at that time.
- Some immigration is possible from other regions in NSW, including the Far West, Central west and Riverina during March, but is unlikely to result in significant breeding without moderate rainfall in autumn.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk that fledging of nymphs in the White Cliffs–Wanaaring area of the Far West NSW will result in immigration of adults during March. Autumn breeding in the Broken Hill or Hillston districts could result if moderate-heavy rains occur during March or April.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
-
Surveys in late February through all RLPB districts found a widespread low density population of late instar nymphs and young adults in this region, particularly in Narrandera, Murray and Wagga districts. Pasture vegetation is green in the most of the region, but most nymphs were found in crop-fallow paddocks with summer grasses. There were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in Riverina and Hay districts, with occasional Present density nymphs.
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There were consistent Present and occasional Numerous density fourth and fifth instar nymphs through Narrandera, part of Wagga and Murray RLPB districts in late February, with newly fledged adults at Scattered and up to Numerous densities. Small Concentrations of young adults were found near Ardlethan and near Urana. Adult densities were lower in Hay and Riverina districts with occasional Present density nymphs.
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There were light rains (<20 mm) in Narrandera, Hay and Wagga RLPB districts, with some moderate (20–40 mm) falls in Murray district, during the first week of February There were light–moderate falls in Wagga and parts of Murray district during 8–13 February. Pastures were green in most of the eastern Riverina in late February.
Forecast
- The population in the eastern Riverina indicates widespread breeding in late January following rainfall during 16–23 January. Further rain in the eastern Riverina in early February has maintained vegetation conditions for nymphal survival.
- Fledging of the remaining nymphs will occur in early March and the adult population in the eastern Riverina will increase, with further Concentrations and possibly some small swarms developing. Adults may redistribute within the Riverina or migrate into Southwest NSW or Victoria during March.
- The likelihood of significant autumn breeding in the Riverina and a subsequent spring generation of medium–high density nymphs will increase if there are moderate rains during the forecast period.
- Further immigration of adults, primarily from the Central West, is possible during March and April, which would further increase the autumn breeding population.
Risk(s)
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There is a moderate risk of medium–high density locusts developing in parts of the eastern Riverina during March, from both the local population and possible immigration from the Central West. There is a low risk of some damage to early winter cereal crops, however adult numbers are likely to decline by the time winter cereal crops emerge.
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There is a moderate risk of breeding during March or April in all regions of the Riverina, which could produce medium–high density nymphs in some areas during September–October.
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 in early February in Barcoo and Diamantina Shires, with high density adults found in several locations, and egg laying in some locations after storm rains on 2–3 February. This increase is likely to have been the result of migrations generally from the east in late January and early February. Adult densities were generally low in surveyed areas of Bulloo and Quilpie Shires.
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Surveys in early February identified Numerous–Concentration density adults and several small swarms between ‘Planet Downs’ and ‘Arrabury’ in Barcoo Shire and from Birdsville to Betoota in Diamantina Shire. Samples of these adults on 9 February had developed eggs and some egg-laying occurred in these areas following storm rains on 2–3 February. Elsewhere in these shires adults were at Isolated–Scattered density, with Numerous density found near Monkira. Occasional Scattered density adults were found in most areas of Bulloo Shire.
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At the start of March mid-instar nymphs were located at up to Band density on ‘Planet Downs’ in Barcoo Shire.
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The light traps at ‘Nooyeah Downs’ and at Birdsville recorded locusts during 2–7 February, consistent with migratory activity during this period, and winds were predominantly from the southeast and east.
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There were patchy light–moderate rains in all shires, with localised heavy storms in Diamantina and Barcoo Shires, during the first week of February. There were light rains (<20 mm) in the eastern part of Bulloo Shire during 8–13 February, and further light falls in Quilpie and Barcoo Shires, with some heavy falls in the northern parts of these districts, in the last week of February.
Forecast
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No nymphs were found during surveys in January or early February, prior to the appearance swarms. Migration from the southeast and east during late January and early February is therefore the most likely origin of the swarms in early February. Light trap catches and radar information for the first week of February indicate increased locust activity during this time.
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Adults sampled from swarms had 3–4 mm eggs 9 February and some localised egg laying occurred where storm rains had fallen. Medium–high density nymphs emerged on ‘Planet Downs’, in early March, but only low density second instar nymphs were found in other areas. Other Bands may develop in suitable habitat areas of southern Barcoo, western Bullo or Diamantina Shires in early March. This generation of nymphs will fledge during late March and April. Habitat conditions are variable in these areas following patchy storm rains, but vegetation is likely to remain green in some low-lying areas to allow nymphs to complete development.
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Population levels may also have increased in the northern parts of Barcoo and Quilpie Shires in February, both from local breeding in January and migration in early February.
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Flooding of rivers in the eastern part of this region may still provide further suitable localised habitat conditions for breeding during March.
Risk(s)
- The development of further localised bands in the ‘Planet Downs’–‘Arrabury’ or Birdsville–Betoota areas is possible in early March, and some swarms could result in these areas in early April.
- There is a low risk of breeding in April following the fledging of nymphs in March. If this occurs in association with further rains, it could result to high density nymphs in some locations in August–September.
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 the Northwest region during February. In the Central West there were consistent low density adults in Longreach, Blackall and Tambo Shires, and widespread medium–high density populations of several grasshopper species in many areas.
- Surveys were conducted in Boulia, McKinlay and Richmond Shires in Northwest Queensland in early February and in all shires of the Central West in late February. There were Isolated–Scattered density adults in most surveyed areas in the Northwest region, but several counts of Numerous density in the area northeast of Winton. In the Central West there were consistent Scattered density adults in Longreach and Tambo Shires, with occasional Isolated density density counts in other shires.
- The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no significant locust activity during February.
- Rainfall during February was dominated by summer storm rains, which brought locally very heavy falls. There were heavy rains (>40 mm) in Flinders Shire and the southern parts of Tambo and Blackall Shires during the first week of February, with light falls in other areas. Heavy rains fell in Richmond, Flinders and McKinlay ,Tambo and Isisford Shires during 8–13 February, with light falls (<20 mm) Winton, Longreach and Barcaldine Shires, and moderate falls in Blackall and Aramac Shires. There were patchy light–moderate rains across the region during the last two weeks of February, again with some heavy storms in Blackall and Tambo Shires.
Forecast
-
Despite continuing heavy rainfall in Tambo, Aramac, Barcaldine and Blackall Shires of the Central West during February, surveys indicate the overall population level has not increased significantly. No nymphs were seen during surveys in February, suggesting only sporadic low density breeding in January. Access to some habitat areas in Blackall and Tambo Shires was still hampered by heavy rains and flooding, but adult densities remained at low levels.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low risk that undetected breeding in parts of the region in January, or immigration during February, could produce a population increase in some locations during March.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
-
Surveys were conducted in all shires of this region during February. A low density adult population was recorded and there were no reports of locust activity.
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Surveys identified only occasional Isolated and Scattered density adults in Taroom and Belyando Shires in late February.
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Continued heavy summer storm rains during each week of February brought heavy rains to most shires. The northern shires of Belyando, Peak Downs and Emerald received heavy rains (>40 mm) in each of the first three weeks of the month. Parts on Bauhinia Shire received heavy falls, while Taroom and Jericho Shires received light–moderate falls in all weeks of February.
Forecast
- Vegetation and soil conditions remain favourable in many areas for possible low density breeding of the residual adult population, but there is a low probability of a significant breeding or population increase in this region at this stage in the season.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified from this species during the forecast period.
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 Paroo, Balonne, Murweh, Booringa, Bendemeer, Waggamba and Tara Shires during February. Overall population density in these shires was low during February, with the exception of the area south of Dirranbandi in Balonne Shire where several Bands fledged in mid-February. There were no reports of locusts from other shires in the region.
- Small Bands of nymphs on ‘Carinya’, south of Dirranbandi, fledged in mid-February and several swarms of young adults formed on that and adjacent properties. By the end of the month, however, only Scattered density adults remained at ‘Carinya’, indicating redistribution of young adults from this area. Surveys in mid-February in surrounding areas of Balonne and Waggamba Shires identified only Isolated–Scattered density adults.
- Surveys in late February in other shires found occasional Isolated–Scattered density adults in most areas, with consistent Scattered counts in the Wyandra–Cunnamulla area in Paroo Shire.
- Heavy summer storm rainfall continued during the first half of February in these regions. There was light–moderate rainfall (10–30 mm) in parts of Booringa and Bungil Shires, and heavy falls in all other shires during the first week of February. There were moderate falls (20–40 mm) in parts of Balonne, Booringa, Murweh and Paroo Shires during 8–13 February. Light rains fell in most shires during 14–21 February, and again in the final week, when Bungil and Bendemeer Shires received some moderate falls (20–40 mm).
Forecast
- The reduction in adult densities in the ‘Carinya’ area at the end of February, indicate redistribution and possible migration in late February. Wind direction and radar information show several opportunities and possible directions for migrations, primarily to the west or south.
- Soil conditions remain suitable for egg laying in these regions, following rains during the first half of February, but adult densities in most areas would allow only low density egg laying during autumn.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that redistribution and egg laying by of adults in Balonne Shire could produce a split cohort of developing and diapause eggs during March.
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 remained low during February. There were no reports of locust activity.
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There were light rains (<20 mm) in North Central Victoria during the first week of February, and further light falls during 8–13 February, with moderate–heavy falls east of Wangarratta.
Forecast
- Low numbers of adult locusts may have migrated into the Echuca–Kerang area of North Central Victoria during January, as the adult population increased in the Riverina, and low density breeding may have occurred in late January.
- Any low density breeding during autumn would produce diapause eggs that will not hatch until October.
- Low density immigration into North Central or Northwest Victoria, primarily from the Riverina, is possible during the forecast period.
Risk(s)
- There is a chance that locusts may have bred at low densities in part of North Central region in late January and there may be a small increase in adult numbers during March as a result. There is a risk of low density immigration into Victoria from the Riverina during March or April.
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
- Locust population density throughout northern South Australia was very low during February, with the exception of the ‘Cordillo Downs’ area in the far north of the Northeast region, where immigration of high density adults occurred at the beginning of the month.
- Surveys were conducted in the Northwest, Far North, Northern Agricultural and Western Agricultural regions during February. In early February Numerous density adults and several swarms were found on ‘Cordillo Downs’ and ‘Cadelga’ in the Northeast region. Samples of swarm adults had developed eggs and there was evidence of egg laying on ‘Cordillo Downs’. In mid-February extensive surveys through the Northwest and Northern Agricultural regions found only occasional Isolated density adults.
- There was a report of adult locust activity at Millers Creek in Northwest South Australia on 5 February. Subsequent survey of that area in mid-February identified very few locusts in that region.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during February.
- There was moderate (20–40 mm) rainfall in the ‘Cordillo Downs’ area, and also in the Woomera–Coober Pedy area in the Northwest region during the first week of February.
Forecast
- The influx of high density adults in the ‘Cordillo Downs’ area in early February occurred at the same time as the population increase in adjacent Southwest Queensland and is likely to have been the result of migrations from the east and southeast. Egg laying occurred in association with rains at the time. There is likely to be localised medium–high density hatchings in this area from late February and small bands may develop in some locations in early March. Fledging of surviving nymphs would occur from late March.
- The locust activity at Millers Creek in early February may have been migratory activity of a locally produced population, as there was rainfall in that area in both October and December. While the timing of the activity corresponds with that in Southwest Qld, it is unlikely that these were immigrants from that region.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk of immigration of adults from Far West NSW into the Northern Agricultural and Far North regions during March. There is a low risk that fledging of surviving nymphs in the ‘Cordillo Downs area and Southwest Qld in late March could result in immigration of medium density adults into agricultural regions of South Australia during April.
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.
