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Locust Bulletin December 2007
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.
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Locust Bulletin December 2007 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map November 2007
Rainfall events November 2007
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast districts used in the Bulletin
General situation in November 2007 and outlook to mid-January 2008
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
Breeding of the locust population in eastern Queensland in late October produced initial hatchings during the second week of November and numerous small hopper bands have developed between Taroom and Wandoan in the southern Central Highlands. Surveys in the Roma-St George area of South Central Queensland and on the Darling Downs identified high density adults in several areas in early November, but adult numbers declined by late November indicating considerable redistribution during the month. Vegetation and soil conditions were suitable for continued breeding during November. The detected bands are largely restricted to the Wandoan area, but a more widespread nymphal population is possible throughout the areas where there was swarm activity during November. Nymphs will fledge during December and formation of some small swarms is likely. The overall locust population level elsewhere in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia remained low during November, although small increases in adult densities were detected in many areas.
There were widespread heavy rains through South Central, Central West and the Central Highlands of Queensland during November. Vegetation and soil conditions will be suitable for locust breeding for several weeks, so any immigration into these regions during December could add to the local populations and result in a further breeding during December. With the outlook for high summer rainfall in these regions of Queensland there is the potential for a significant infestation to develop by February. Surveys throughout western Queensland during November indicated continued low population densities, with up to medium density adults in a few locations of favourable habitat.
In New South Wales a small area of high density young adults was found in the Manilla area in mid-November, and there were other reports of locusts from the Tamworth RLPB. This population developed from local breeding in late September. Adult locust numbers remained low in most regions of western New South Wales, but increases to medium density was found in parts of the Central West and Far West of the state. Widespread rainfall during November will provide conditions suitable for locust breeding, but given the low adult population level, the likely result is an overall increase to medium densities during the forecast period.
There was a small increase in locust population density in parts of Northeast South Australia, with up to medium density adults and late instar nymphs found around the southern Flinders Ranges during November. Vegetation in this area is green following moderate and localised heavy rainfall in late October and the first week of November.
There were no reports of locusts in Victoria during November and no further reports of Austroicetes cruciata grasshoppers from Northwest Victoria.
In Western Australia locust hatching reports continued in the Southern Agricultural Region during November. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food controlled 32,500 ha of high density nymphs in Ravensthorpe and Esperance Shires during the second half of November. Fledging of remaining nymphs will occur during early December.
There is a widespread low-medium density adult population in several regions of Queensland. Surveys in Central West and Northwest Qld found consistent Scattered-Numerous density adults in Winton and Longreach Shires with Isolated density adults in Ilfracombe, Isisford, Blackall, Tambo and Boulia Shires. In South Central Qld, the Central Highlands and the Darling Downs regions there were Scattered-Numerous density adults in Bungil and Taroom Shires, with Isolated to Scattered densities in Paroo, Balonne, Booringa, Warroo and Bauhinia Shires. There was also one Numerous density count of adults in the north of Bourke RLPB in NSW.
Adults usually migrate and disperse to commence breeding at the beginning of the northern wet season. Low numbers of adults were caught in the Longreach light trap throughout November, while at Julia Creek higher numbers were caught during the first week and on 19 November, consistent with migratory activity during the month. The very heavy storm rains in Central West and South Central Qld and the Central Highlands during November may initiate early summer breeding of this species in some areas. Early instar nymphs may appear during December and January in these regions.
Adult locusts at low densities were found consistently during surveys in Bauhinia Shire during early November. There were Isolated-Scattered density locusts in the Arcadia Valley and in areas around Rolleston and Springsure, with up to Numerous density adults in one location. No nymphs were seen during survey, but other species, predominantly Oedaleus australis, nymphs were common and widespread throughout the area. The surveys indicate an increase in population from a very low level in previous months, and the species may also have increased in other shires of the Queensland Central Highlands. Continued rainfall in South Central Queensland, the Central Highlands and Central West during November and the seasonal expectation of above average rainfall over summer could result in successful breeding of these adults and a subsequent population increase during December-January.
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Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 November to 30 November 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 November, with only occasional Isolated density adults in most areas, with Scattered density adults north of Bourke in mid-November. There were no reports of locust activity. Vegetation conditions were dry in most areas in November, but rainfall in late October in Brewarrina and Bourke RLPB areas will provide suitable conditions for locust breeding during November.
- Surveys were conducted through Bourke, Brewarrina, Wanaaring, Milparinka and northern Broken Hill RLPB areas during November. Occasional Isolated density adults were found in most areas, however Scattered and up to Numerous density adults were found north of Enngonia in Bourke RLPB. Numerous density fourth instar nymphs and Scattered density adults were found in a flood-out area at ‘Coally’ in Milparinka RLPB area on 12 November.
At the end of November there were Isolated to Scattered density adults in Wilcannia and Broken Hill RLPB areas, and single count of Numerous density adults was found near Emmdale.
- There were heavy storm rains (>50 mm) in part of Cobar RLPB during the first week of November, with moderate (20-40 mm) falls in Bourke and southern Wilcannia RLPB areas. There were further light-moderate rains north of Bourke during 8-15 November. Moderate (20-40 mm) and locally heavy (>40 mm) storm rain fell in Cobar, Brewarrina and the northern part of Bourke RLPB during the last week of November, with light falls (<20 mm) in Wilcannia and northern Broken Hill RLPBs.
- No significant locust activity was recorded by the White Cliffs light trap during November.
Forecast
- The nymphs found in Milparinka RLPB resulted from localised egg laying in the region in early October. This cohort of nymphs will have fledged by the end of November.
- The widespread rainfall in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Cobar RLPB areas during November will produce green vegetation suitable for locust breeding, but at this stage no significant increase in adult population has been detected, except for the area north of Bourke. Breeding of the low-medium density locusts in the Wilcannia RLPB area may also occur, following light-moderate rains in Wilcannia and Broken Hill RLPB areas. Given the low overall population density in this region, however, any nymphs emerging during December are likely to be at low-medium densities.
- Some adults from the population in the Roma area of South Central Queensland may have migrated into the Brewarrina or Bourke RLPB areas in early November, supplementing the local breeding population in favourable habitat. Any breeding following heavy rains in late November will produce nymphs from mid-December.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that breeding in the Bourke and Brewarrina RLPBs in late November could produce medium density nymphs in some areas from mid-December.
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
Balranald, Broken Hill, Hillston And Wentworth RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Adult population densities remained low in this region during November and vegetation was very dry in most areas. Surveys were carried out in the Broken Hill RLPB during November, but surveys in all other RLPB areas in late October found only occasional Isolated density adults. There were no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys in Broken Hill RLPB during November found only occasional Isolated density adults, but Isolated to Scattered densities were recorded at the end of the month.
- Fowlers Gap light trap did not record any significant locust activity during November.
- There were light to moderate rainfalls (15-30 mm) in Wentworth and Hillston RLPB areas in the first week of November, and further light rains (<20 mm) in Wentworth and Balranald RLPBs during 16-22 November. In the last week of November there were locally heavy (>35 mm) falls in parts of the Hillston RLPB, with light rains (<20 mm) in Wentworth, Balranald and southern Broken Hill RLPBs.
Forecast
- The low adult population density found in November would indicate that, in the absence of immigration, any breeding following the rains during November would be at low densities.
- Rains in the Hillston, Wentworth and Broken Hill RLPB areas may have resulted in some low density locust breeding from mid-November. Some low-medium density nymphs may emerge during early December.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk of a small increase in population as a result of low density breeding in Hillston, Wentworth or southern Broken Hill RLPB areas.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
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Locust population density is expected to have remained low during November and there were no locust reports. No surveys were conducted in November, but very few locusts were found on surveys in late October.
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The infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in parts of the Riverina declined to low densities during November. Numerous-Concentration density grasshoppers were reported from the Hay-Conargo area in northern Murray RLPB in early November, but had declined by late November.
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There were light-moderate (20-30 mm) rains in eastern Narrandera and the northern part of Hay RLPB areas during the first week of November, with light falls (<20 mm) in Murray and Wagga RLPB areas. There were further light-moderate falls in Narrandera, Wagga, Hume and southern Riverina RLPB areas during 16-22 November. In the last week of November there were light-moderate patchy storm rains in Riverina and Murray RLPBs, with locally heavy falls in Hay and Narrandera RLPB.
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Vegetation was mostly dry in the Riverina and Murray RLPB areas during November, but will respond to rainfall in the Narrandera and Hay RLPBs.
Forecast
- Some low density breeding is possible in parts of Hay and Narrandera RLPB areas following moderate-heavy rains in late November, but with the very low density adult population in most areas is unlikely to produce a significant population increase.
Risk(s)
-
No specific risks have been identified 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, but an increase to moderate densities was found in the Quambone area at the end of the month.
- Surveys were conducted in Dubbo, Coonamble and Coonabarabran RLPB areas in early November and in Nyngan and Coonamble RLPBs at the end of the month. Adults were found at Isolated-Scattered densities in Coonamble RLPB, but in Coonabarabran RLPB there were also Present density fifth instar nymphs at several locations near Coolah.
- In the last week of November Numerous density adult locusts were found at several locations in the ‘Fairholme’-Quambone area in the east of Nyngan RLPB.
- Adult locusts at Numerous density were reported from near Tambar Springs in Coonabarabran RLPB in mid-November.
- The infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in parts of Nyngan and Condobolin RLPB areas declined to medium densities during November.
- There were moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Nyngan, Dubbo, Molong and Condobolin RLPB areas, with heavy rains in Coonabarabran RLPB in the first week of November. There were light rains (<20 mm) in all RLPB areas during 16-22 November, and again during 23-30 November, with heavy (>40 mm) in parts of Condobolin and Forbes RLPB areas.
Forecast
- The adult population density remained generally low in this region during November, but some higher density areas were found at the end of the month, suggesting aggregation of the maturing adult population.
- The population in the Tamworth RLPB and Coonabarabran RLPB areas were young adults in early November, and could have commenced breeding later in the month. If this occurred there may be a subsequent generation of nymphs during December.
- Low-medium density breeding could also occur in areas of Nyngan, Condobolin or Coonamble RLPB in early December, following rains during November.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk from breeding of the population in the Tamworth and Coonabarabran RLPB areas during late November producing a second generation of nymphs in December. Low density breeding could also occur in Nyngan, Coonamble or Condobolin RLPB areas.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The locust population level in this region remained low during November, with the exception of a small area of high density young adults near Manilla in Tamworth RLPB.
- Surveys in early November through all RLPB areas found Isolated-Scattered density in some locations. A population of young adults at Concentration density and small Low Density Swarms was found in a small area to the west of Manilla in Tamworth RLPB on 11 November. There were reports of adult locusts near Boggabri and Baralaba in Tamworth RLPB area.
- There were moderate rains (20-30 mm) in all RLPB areas during the first week of November, and further light falls during 16-22 November. There were further widespread light rains during the last week of November, with moderate falls in part of Northern Slopes RLPB area.
Forecast
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The young adult population in Tamworth RLPB is the result of localised breeding in late September. The presence of late instar nymphs in nearby areas would indicate breeding around that time.
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The continued low densities in Northern Slopes and eastern Moree and Narrabri RLPB areas, despite green vegetation, suggests there was no significant breeding during October, but the population near Manilla could be more extensive than was detected. That population may breed and produce medium-high density nymphs during December.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk that breeding of the adult population in the Tamworth RLPB area in late November could produce nymphal bands in some locations during December.
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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Surveys were conducted in all shires in this region during November. The locust population density was low in most areas and no nymphs were found. There were no reports of locust activity.
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Surveys were conducted in Quilpie and Bulloo Shires in mid-November and only occasional Isolated density adults were found. 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. Scattered density locusts were also found in several locations in Diamantina Shire, associated with areas of localised green vegetation.
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No significant catches were recorded by the ‘Nooyeah Downs’ or Birdsville light traps during November.
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Rainfall during November was dominated by storm rains which brought locally heavy falls. There were light falls (<20 mm) in Quilpie Shire and the southern part of Bulloo Shire in the first week of November. There were patchy light-moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Diamantina, Barcoo and Quilpie Shires during 8-15 November, with heavy storm rains (> 40 mm) around Adavale in the north of Quilpie Shire. There were further moderate-heavy (20 - >50 mm) storm rains in Quilpie Shire and light falls in Barcoo Shire during 16-22 November, and during the last week of November there were further storm rains in Quilpie Shire and the eastern part of Bulloo Shire.
Forecast
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There appears to have been a small increase in population density in some locations in Barcoo and Diamantina Shires from the very low numbers seen on October surveys. This is likely to be from regional redistribution of adults to areas of favourable habitat.
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The moderate rainfalls during November, particularly through Quilpie and southern Barcoo Shire during 8-15 November, and in northern Barcoo Shire during 16-23 November will provide suitable soil and vegetation conditions for localised breeding of the adult locust population. Any nymphs would emerge during December.
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Immigration from known populations to the east may increase the local population in some areas and breeding during December may lead to a population increase to medium densities.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk of a population increase resulting from localised breeding of locusts in late November and December, and an increase in the adult population in January. There is also a low risk of immigration from South Central Qld during December-January increasing the adult populaion density.
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, but an increase to medium densities was detected in some locations.
- 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’. Near Bimerah, in the south of Longreach Shire, there were Scattered density adults, but very few locusts were seen in Blackall, Ilfracombe or Tambo Shires.
- Julia Creek light trap recorded low numbers of locusts on several nights during November.
- Rainfall during November was dominated by storm rains which brought locally very heavy falls. There were light-moderate rains (<20 mm) in Winton, Boulia, Mt Isa and Cloncurry Shire in the Northwest region, and moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Longreach, Isisford, Ilfracombe and Barcaldine Shires of the Central West during 8-15 November. There were moderate and heavy falls (20->40 mm) in parts of Blackall, Tambo and Aramac Shires during 8-15 November, and further heavy storm rains in these shires during 16-22 November. Heavy storm rains (>50 mm) fell again in Tambo and Blackall Shire during the last week of November, with light falls in Aramac, Barcaldine and Isisford Shires. There were also light rains (<20 mm) in parts of Winton, Richmond and Flinders Shires during the last week of November. Vegetation remains largely dry in the Northwest region and in Longreach Shire, while in most other shires of the Central West region pasture vegetation is now green.
Forecast
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Heavy rainfall in Tambo, Aramac, Barcaldine and Blackall Shires during the second and last weeks of November will maintain vegetation and soil conditions suitable for locust breeding during December. While the known current population in these areas is low, an increase in adult locust population from redistribution and migration is likely during December and breeding may take place throughout the month .
Risk(s)
-
There is moderate probability that breeding by adults in the region will produce a nymphal generation in late December, particularly in parts of Tambo, Blackall or Aramac Shires. There is a low risk of immigration from South Central Qld increasing the adult breeding population during December and January.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
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Adult locust population density declined during November after a peak of swarm activity between Taroom and Wondoan early in the month. By the end of November only low density adults were found in Taroom and Bauhinia Shires. Nymphs began hatching during the second week of November and several small bands formed in the Wondoan area. Hatchings continued during November and at the end of the month bands of third and fourth instar nymphs were found on several properties. Control of bands in the Grosmont area by the QDPI&F, Shire officers and landholders has reduced the size of developing bands and the threat of swarms from this area during December. At this stage the number and size of bands detected has not warranted aerial control by the APLC, but aerial survey of the infestation area for bands is planned during early December when weather permits.
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Surveys in southern Bauhinia Shire in early November, including the Arcadia Valley, identified Scattered-Numerous density locusts in some areas, despite swarms having been reported in late October. Oedeleus australis grasshoppers at up to Concentration densities are widespread in Bauhinia and Taroom Shires, and hatching reports near Lake Nugga Nugga in mid-November were found to be predominantly this species.
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Intensive survey in the Taroom Shire during November identified several swarms and several egg-beds at the start of the month. Swarm activity was concentrated in the Grosmont area, north of Wondoan, and a few small dense egg-beds were located. By mid-November several small bands of early instar nymphs were identified in that area. Only Scattered density locusts were found elsewhere in Taroom Shire. By late November adult numbers had fallen to low densities throughout the Shire.
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First hatching of nymphs was identified on 11 November and continued during the month. By late November several bands up to 80 m long of third and fourth instar nymphs were identified on properties around the Grosmont area.
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Rainfall during November was dominated by storm rains which brought locally very heavy falls. There were moderate-heavy (30->50) rains in all Shires in this region, except Taroom which received only light falls, during 8-15 November. There were light rains in Jericho Shire during 16-22 November. In the last week of November there were heavy storm rains (40->100 mm) in parts of Bauhinia, Emerald, Jericho, Taroom and Belyando Shires, with moderate falls in Emerald Shire. Pasture vegetation is green throughout most of this region, however at the end of November vegetation was drying off in parts of Taroom Shire.
Forecast
- Redistribution of adults is indicated by the appearance of high density adults in several Darling Downs shires to the south of the infestation area at the start of November, and the apparent decline in adult numbers to low densities in Taroom and Bauhinia Shire by the end of the month. Landholders reported a decline in numbers from early November and many adults may have migrated generally southwards after egg-laying at that time.
- At this stage high density nymphs appear to be restricted to the Grosmont area, but some bands may also develop in the southern Arcadia Valley. At the end of November the bulk of nymphs were at third and fourth instar stage, so fledging will occur during the first half of December.
- Numerous small swarms are likely to develop by mid-December in the Wondoan area and, while a proportion of the young adult population is likely to migrate to other areas, conditions will be favourable for further breeding and egg laying in some parts of Taroom Shire.
Risk(s)
- There has been a substantial reduction of bands on properties where landholders have carried out control. However, there is a moderate risk that some swarms will develop in the Taroom-Wandoan area during December and that further breeding and egg laying could take occur in this area. There is a low risk that breeding in the Arcadia Valley in Bauhinia Shire in late October-November may have produced a nymphal generation that could result in an increase in adult population in December.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Booringa, Bendemeer, Chinchilla, Inglewood, Millmerran, Murilla, Murweh, Paroo, Tara, Taroom, Waggamba, Wambo & Warroo ShireLocusts and conditions
- High densities of adult locusts appeared in several shires in these regions during early November, with Concentrations and swarms recorded near Roma, Surat and St George in South Central Qld, and near Chinchilla, Meandarra and Talwood on the Darling Downs. Numerous reports in early November identified locusts, but Oedaleus australis (eastern plague grasshopper) at Numerous-Concentration density were also widespread throughout the regions. Adult numbers had declined in these areas by late November and few nymphs were found by surveys.
- Surveys in early November found Concentration and swarm density adult locusts for 40km to the west of Surat in Warroo Shire and around St George in Balonne Shire, with Numerous density adults as far south as Goondiwindi. During survey from Meandarra to Talwood and Goondiwindi on 8 November, there were frequent Numerous-Concentration density counts of adults along the roadsides.
- Present density fourth instar nymphs were found near The Gums in Tara Shire on 24 November and also to the west of Surat in Warroo Shire.
- Several reports of locusts and grasshoppers from areas as far east as Kingaroy were investigated by QDPI&F staff in early November and were found to be predominantly Oedaleus australis (eastern plague grasshoppers).
- Following a report a swarm was found on ‘Wanka’ near Brigalow in Chinchilla Shire. At the end of November landholders on ‘Wanka’ carried out ground control of bands of young nymphs.
- There were patchy heavy storm rains (30-50 mm) in parts of Tara, Millmerran, Inglewood, Warroo and Balonne Shires, with light falls in Booringa Shire during the first week of November. There were heavy storm rains (25->50 mm) in parts of Murweh and Paroo Shires, with moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Booringa, Bungil, Balonne, Tara and Chinchilla Shires, during 8-15 November. There were further light rains in northern Murweh and Waggamba Shires during 16-22 November. In the last week of November there were heavy storm rains (40->100 mm) in parts of Paroo, Murweh, Booringa, Bungil and Wambo Shires, with moderate falls (20-40 mm) in Balonne, Waroo, Murilla and Chinchilla Shires, and light falls in Waggamba and Tara Shires. Vegetation conditions are now green thoughout most shires in South Central Qld and parts of the Darling Downs.
Forecast
- Continued heavy storm rains were widespread throughout in this region during November and have maintained suitable soil conditions for breeding and vegetation conditions for nymphal survival. Nymphs in this region will fledge from mid-December, which will result in an increase in adult population from that time.
- The high densities of adults in the Surat-St George areas and the southern Darling Downs may have reflected a general southward migration of adults during early November. The apparent decline in these areas by late November may be the result of further redistribution in this region, or of some long-distance migration generally to the west and south.
- While few nymphs were found during surveys in this region during November, adults were recorded with developing eggs from several locations and soil and vegetation conditions were suitable for breeding, so egg laying is likely to have occurred in Warroo, Balonne, Tara and Waggamba Shires in early November. Survey for nymphs was hampered in late November by continuing heavy rains and waterlogging. Mid-late instar nymphs at up to Band density may be found in these areas during early December.
- The heavy storm rains in Paroo and Murweh Shires in mid and late November may lead to a general westward extension of infested areas; followed by locust breeding in suitable habitats and the appearance of nymphs during December.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk from eggs laid in the Surat-St George area during November producing medium density nymphs and small bands, which will be difficult to detect. These nymphs would fledge in mid-December and could produce Concentration-swarm density adults. There may also have been egg laying in the Talwood-Westmar-Goondiwindi area in mid-November. Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will continue to be critical in minimising the development of swarms during December.
- There is a low risk that migrations from the Wondoan area in Taroom Shire from mid-December could lead to further locust breeding in parts of this region.
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 November. There were no reports of locust activity.
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There were no further reports from the infestation of Austroicetes cruciata grasshoppers in Northwest Victoria during November.
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There were light rains (<20 mm) in Northwest and North Central Victoria during 15-22 November and further light and moderate falls (15-30 mm) during the last week of the month. Pasture vegetation is mostly dry in these regions.
Forecast
- There was no indication of any locust breeding in Victoria during November. 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
- Surveys were conducted through the Northeast and Far North regions of South Australia during November and, while the locust population level remains generally low, there was an increase in the Northeast region around the southern Flinders Ranges.
- Following reports, PIRSA staff identified adult locusts up to Numerous density and occasional late instar nymphs with other species of grasshoppers in the Appila area near Jamestown in the Northeast region. APLC surveys in mid-November identified adults at Numerous density near Yunta, and consistent counts of Scattered density adults with Present density fifth instar nymphs from Jamestown to Orroroo.
- Surveys in the Far North region found very few locusts, apart from a single low Numerous count on ‘Cordillo Downs’.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during November.
- There were moderate rains (20-30 mm) in the Northeast region during the first week of November, with lighter falls in the northern Flinders Ranges area. There were also isolated moderate storms in the Northwest region and on the Eyre Peninsula. Innaminka, in the Far North region, received moderate rainfall (20-30 mm) during 8-15 November. There were further light rains (<20 mm) in parts of the Northeast region during 16-22 November.
Forecast
- The age of nymphs and adults in the Appila area and the in the southern Flinders Ranges suggests that there were eggs in quiescence during spring, which resumed development after light rains during September. The storm rains in late October would have provided suitable vegetation conditions for nymphal development and further rains in early November will maintain green vegetation for breeding of this generation from late November. Nymphs may appear during December in some areas.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that breeding of young adults in the southern Flinders Ranges area in November could produce medium density nymphs and a further population increase during December.
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
APLC Bulletin forecasting districts.
