DR ‹ › Locust activity has intensified in southern Morocco, with hopper groups evolving into «immature groups and small swarms», according to a Desert Locust Bulletin published Wednesday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report notes that «some mature adult groups were also found near Tan-Tan». FAO still reassures that «low temperatures slowed maturation, allowing intensive control efforts before a third generation could begin» in Mauritania and Morocco's southern provinces. It reports that control operations in Morocco covered 59,942 hectares, including 43,600 hectares treated by air. However, FAO warned that small swarms might migrate northward from Morocco, reaching even neighboring countries such as Algeria. Consequently, the UN body concludes that «survey and control operations must be maintained at a high intensity» in the Kingdom.
