Desert Locust Monitoring and Loss Assessment in Eritrea, Somalia and Saudi Arabia (January 2025)

In January 2025, the "Asian-African Desert Locust Monitoring and Assessment" working group under the Earth Big Data Project utilized MODIS satellite data, meteorological data, and pest forecasting models to conduct dynamic monitoring of desert locust migration in Eritrea, Somalia, and Saudi Arabia. Remote sensing monitoring results showed increased desert locust distribution in these regions during January 2025, causing varying degrees of damage to vegetation. In Eritrea, desert locusts mainly concentrated in the central Red Sea coastal and inland areas, affecting 22,100 hectares; Somalia's northwest and northern Gulf of Aden coastal areas experienced intensified locust infestations, damaging 15,900 hectares; while Saudi Arabia's central Red Sea coastal region was also affected, with 21,500 hectares of vegetation damaged. Over the next two months, influenced by rainfall and vegetation growth, locust numbers are expected to further increase in northern Eritrea, Somalia, and Saudi Arabia. Specifically, locusts in northern Eritrea will migrate northward, while Saudi Arabia and Somalia will face peak breeding periods. As this period coincides with the main growing season for local food crops, it is crucial to continue monitoring locust dynamics and implement appropriate control measures to prevent further damage to agricultural and pastoral production.