The locusts change their appearance, too. Wingless nymphs are normally green when in low numbers, but change to yellow and black in high numbers. Winged adults, which are normally brown, turn a bright pink and those ready to lay eggs are a bright yellow. A swarm can contain tens of millions of locusts.
The FAO has been able to monitor the growing swarms in Niger and Chad. However, Cressman said northern Mali is another matter. Conflict has prevented survey teams from entering the area.
“Unfortunately, northern Mali presents some of the best habitats for the Desert Locust during the summer period, which coincides with the rains -- so basically from June until about October or November,” he said.
With the wind at its back, a swarm can travel 150 kilometers a day.
Algeria, Mauritania and Morocco are prepared to deal with the expected swarms. Teams are on the ground ready to spray insecticide. The FAO is working with Libya to strengthen its capacity to deal with the locusts following the conflict that overthrew Moammar Ghadafi.
最新
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27