Collection of field data being essential for monitoring, regional exchange of information and decision on possible locust control, a Standard Survey Form was discussed and adopted by CCA countries during the Regional Consultation on Locust Management in Caucasus and Central Asia (Almaty, October 2009). Countries agreed to use this standard form at national level from the beginning of the next locust campaign onwards, i.e. from spring 2010.
Overview on locust survey in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA)
In CCA, countries perform one to four annual surveys to monitor locust populations. Some adjacent countries conduct joint surveys. Survey operations are usually done by ground (only two countries can carry out aerial ones). The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices during locust surveys is limited to three countries; survey results are usually transferred to hand-drawn maps. Two countries, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, enter locust information into a Geographical Information System (GIS); Armenia has a database although without possibility to produce maps. Pilot projects for use of remote sensing technology in locust monitoring were undertaken in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation (for more info, see the “Analytical Report on Locust Situations and Management in Caucasus and Central Asia”).
Following the request for assistance made by Georgia in October 2009 and confirmation in March 2010, a mission was carried out by the FAO Locust Officer to participate in field surveys and assess the Italian Locust situation on 13 27 April 2010, in the south-eastern part of the country (along the border with Azerbaijan), together with the National Consultant and technical staff. Despite the initial purpose [, the mission was mainly dedicated to the Moroccan Locust because of an unexpected and unprecedented infestation, which was observed on more than 20,000 ha (See summary).
Following the request formulated by Uzbekistan, a mission was carried out by the FAO Consultant, Locust Expert, on 11-25 August 2010, together with the National Consultant. The purpose was to assess the Asian Migratory Locust and the Italian Locust situations in two areas, Aral Sea and Lake Aydarkul. To that end, field visits were carried out and their results analyzed together with satellite imagery, in order to establish forecast on likely development of locust populations in these particular habitats submitted to water fluctuations and to contribute to a better knowledge of the bio-ecology of these two species in their specific habitats (See summary and report).