Characteristics of Desert Locust plague upsurges

Between plagues, the Desert Locust typically exists in low-density populations which migrate between successive breeding areas in its extensive and arid recession area. Local outbreaks develop when conditions favour concentration, multiplication and gregarization. Plagues are initiated when such conditions extend over larger areas and last long enough to allow several generations of successful breeding. Plague prevention consequently requires adequate monitoring and control of populations in the breeding areas.