Why Are There So Many Locusts In Africa?

Desert locusts, known for their rapid reproduction and ability to migrate long distances with the wind, are wreaking havoc in parts of East Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Since the end of 2019, massive swarms of desert locusts have been devouring crops across East Africa, the Middle East, and southwest Asia. The United Nations has reported that new swarms of desert locusts are threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in the Horn of Africa and Yemen despite a year of control efforts.

The current locust outbreak formed after cyclones dumped considerable amounts of rain in the deserts of Oman, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa. This created a perfect breeding condition for the locust, as the southeast monsoons are blowing from the Indian Ocean onto Kenya, and the winds are blowing from the south. Locust swarms usually happen when a prolonged drought is followed by heavy rains, and remote weather stations could help capture data.

Rainfall totals that were about 400 mm above average in East Africa in the autumn of 2019 enabled locust populations to move far and quickly into that region. The insects, which eat their own body weight in food every day, are breeding so fast numbers could grow four hundredfold by June.

In early December 2019, another cyclone hit, further fueling the locust populations. The worst locust outbreak in generations has descended upon East Africa and the Horn of Africa, and without immediate action, 4. 9 million people could face the locust infestations.

What Do Locusts Turn Into?

Locusts undergo multiple developmental phases before becoming flying adults, and at any stage, they can become gregarious if conditions are favorable. Their transformation involves changes in behavior and physical characteristics, which can either be reversible or inherited by offspring. Initially, a small group of locusts can grow into massive swarms, sometimes numbering in the billions. Research reveals that stimulating solitary locusts by tickling their hind legs can convert them to a gregarious state in just two hours, coinciding with a temporary threefold increase in certain traits.

This ability to switch phases is known as "phase polyphenism," a kind of extreme phenotypic plasticity linked to serotonin. During their gregarious phase, locusts flock together, forming enormous swarms that consume crops.

The transition from solitary grasshoppers to swarming locusts occurs after heavy rains trigger mass hatching of grasshopper eggs. In their solitary phase, locusts are inconspicuous and camouflaged, moving slowly to avoid detection. Typically, they are solitary but can become a plague under specific circumstances. Locusts belong to short-horned grasshoppers found worldwide, with over 7, 000 known species.

Unlike butterflies that undergo complete metamorphosis, locusts experience incomplete metamorphosis with three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult, the latter emerging from nymph bands that later develop into swarms. The presence of elevated serotonin levels in their nervous system initiates the swarming behavior, allowing these insects to cause significant agricultural damage.

Are Locusts Harmful To Humans?

Although locusts are generally not harmful to humans in terms of direct attacks, they can occasionally nibble or pinch, potentially causing minor discomfort and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. People with locust allergies may experience respiratory symptoms when exposed to large swarms, and pets can also be affected by these infestations. Unlike mosquitoes or ticks, locusts do not bite for blood, but their presence can still be unsettling.

The primary threat posed by locusts lies in their ability to form massive swarms that devastate crops and vegetation. These swarms can consume vast quantities of crops in a short time, leading to significant agricultural losses and contributing to food insecurity for millions of people. Historically, locust swarms have caused widespread destruction since ancient times, including during the era of Pharaohs in Egypt, and they continue to wreak havoc in various regions today. Annually, locusts cause millions of dollars in crop damage, affecting both small-scale farmers and large agricultural operations.

Control measures often involve the use of chemical pesticides, which, while effective in reducing locust populations, can pose health risks to humans and animals if exposure is severe. However, when used properly, these pesticides do not present major long-term health hazards. Preventative strategies and effective management are crucial to mitigate the impact of locust swarms.

In summary, while locusts do not pose a direct physical threat to humans through biting or attacking, their capacity to destroy crops makes them a significant agricultural pest. Awareness of potential allergic reactions and the health implications of pesticide use are important considerations in managing locust-related challenges.

Why Don'T We Eat Locusts?

Locusts present significant health risks due to potential chemical residues from pesticides, even after cooking. Identifying toxic insect species at a household level poses challenges, making caution advisable. While locusts are rich in protein, zinc, and iron, their consumption is discouraged for both humans and animal feed because of these health hazards. Historically, locusts have devastated crops, leading to some of the worst famines, prompting questions from food-insecure populations on why they can't be utilized as a food source. While edible and considered delicacies in various cultures, traditional practices surrounding locust consumption vary, and lack of a clear tradition restricts many communities from eating them.

Despite their historical use, such as during the locust plague in the U. S. two centuries ago, the environmental contamination with pesticides has altered consumption patterns. Various locust species have been consumed in over 65 countries, and some are acknowledged as permissible under dietary laws in Jewish and Islamic traditions. The Christian Bible references locusts favorably in certain contexts, although broader religious texts often prohibit insect consumption.

While locusts are abundant during swarming events, a lack of commercial harvesting and processing capabilities limits their potential as a sustainable food source. They can emit pheromones indicating toxicity, complicating harvesting efforts. Therefore, despite their nutritional benefits, the risks and logistical challenges associated with locusts render them impractical as a solution to food shortages caused by their swarms.

What Happens If A Locust Bites You?

Gregarious locusts may exhibit aggressive behavior when threatened, potentially leading them to bite humans or animals. However, locust bites are not venomous and do not transmit diseases that harm humans. The primary effects of a locust bite include swelling, redness, itching, and minor superficial wounds due to the ingestion of saliva into the skin. Though locusts are capable of biting, they are not known for this behavior towards humans; any pain from interaction is likely a result of their strong legs or sharp spurs. If a locust bites, the impact is usually minor as they lack strong mandibles or venomous stings.

Locusts typically consume plants and do not target humans as prey, so bites are rare and are often a response to defense rather than aggression. In the unlikely event of a bite, it is essential to monitor for allergic reactions but otherwise treatment is not necessary. While some may fear cicadas will bite, they do not possess the anatomical features to do so; their mouthparts are adapted to siphoning fluids from trees. Desert locusts, in particular, do not pose a threat to humans, as their biting habits are not directed at people.

Although locusts may nibble or pinch defensively, these actions do not result in harm. In rare cases, catching a grasshopper or locust may lead to mild irritation from their spikes, but overall, the potential for harm from locusts to humans is minimal. Proper precautions should be taken, and immediate medical assistance is advised for any severe symptoms originating from a bite or sting.

Why Are There No Locusts In North America?

By the 1880s, North America's public lands were overgrazed by cattle and sheep, leading to the rapid decline of the Rocky Mountain locust, which became extinct by 1902. This locust was the sole species native to North America, thriving until habitat disruption from settlers' agricultural practices, like plowing and irrigation, disrupted its lifecycle. While locusts exist on nearly every continent, North America, along with Antarctica, remains without a native locust species.

The disappearance of the Rocky Mountain locust resulted in the loss of significant locust swarms previously experienced in the region; the last noted swarm occurred in 1875, containing trillions of individuals. The high plains locust still exists, albeit in very rare numbers.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, North America has seen no significant locust-related issues. Current studies imply that while grasshoppers still populate the landscape, no locusts exist. It's important to note that all locusts are considered types of grasshoppers, but the reverse is not true. Research suggests that the extinction of the Rocky Mountain locust was largely due to human activities that altered and eliminated its breeding grounds.

With continued agricultural and environmental changes, these habitats were irrevocably transformed. While grasshoppers remain common, the Rocky Mountain locust’s absence marks a drastic shift from a time when locust swarms posed significant agricultural threats. Today, the high plains locust is the rare remnant of a once-thriving lineage, leaving the continent devoid of regularly swarming locust species.

What Does The Bible Say About Locusts?

Exodus 10:12-20 recounts the eighth plague that God unleashed upon Egypt during Moses's time—a devastating swarm of locusts. These locusts covered the land so densely that they obscured the sunlight and consumed all vegetation, leaving no green remnants. The Bible references locusts in numerous passages: in Revelation 9:3-10, locusts emerge from smoke and are likened to scorpions, exhibiting tormenting powers.

Leviticus 11:22 notes that locusts are a source of food, while Joel 2:25 identifies them as part of God's army. Additional references include Joel 1:4, Nahum 3:15, Isaiah 33:4, Mark 1:6, Matthew 3:4, and Nahum 3:17.

Throughout the scriptures, locusts symbolize judgment and destruction, serving as both a literal agricultural plague and a metaphor for adversaries. In Revelation, locusts symbolize divine retribution for those lacking God’s seal, portrayed as horse-like beings with human faces that inflict suffering for five months. This illustrates a reminder of God's judgment upon the unrepentant. The imagery of locusts also provokes self-examination among believers regarding their readiness for divine justice.

Both literally and symbolically, locusts pose significant meanings. In literature, they present an agricultural challenge, evident in the narrative of the plagues during the Exodus. Symbolically, they embody themes of divine judgment and spiritual warfare. The apocalyptic vision in Revelation reinforces this theme of God’s justice while urging introspection among humanity.

Notably, locusts are documented in biblical accounts of judgment, often connected with God disciplining His people or issuing warnings. They are referenced extensively, totaling over 30 mentions across Old and New Testaments. Understanding locusts’ roles requires examining the complex biblical narratives, cultural contexts, and theological discussions surrounding this critical symbol of destruction and divine providence.

What Caused The Locust Swarms In Africa?

The ongoing locust outbreak in East Africa, triggered by cyclones that caused significant rainfall in Oman, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa, has resulted in a catastrophic invasion. Hundreds of billions of locusts, forming swarms comparable in size to major cities, are devastating agricultural lands. The African migratory locust thrives in humid grasslands, particularly in areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe wetlands in southern Africa.

Historically, locusts have been linked to famines and mass migrations, and research indicates that climate change exacerbates the frequency and scale of these outbreaks, with 20 of the fastest warming countries located in Africa.

The recent heavy rains fostered suitable conditions for locust breeding, with swarms spreading from Ethiopia and Kenya as they matured between late 2019 and February 2020, affecting 21 counties and encroaching upon borders with Uganda and Tanzania. Swarms can reach sizes exceeding 926. 6 square miles, consuming food resources equivalent to that of over 13, 000 people in a day. This critical crisis threatens to leave nearly 5 million people on the brink of starvation amid existing food insecurity worsened by COVID-19. The current plague, described as the worst in decades, underscores the urgent need for intervention amidst growing threats to food security across East Africa.

What Country Has The Most Locusts?

In the Horn of Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia are experiencing severe locust activity alongside significant food insecurity, affecting approximately 11. 9 million individuals. By April 2020, locust swarms spread across 23 countries, prominently impacting East Africa and reaching as far as Pakistan and Yemen, where damages compounded existing conflicts. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network indicates ongoing locust activity corresponds with regions facing "stressed," "crisis," and "emergency" levels of food insecurity.

Historically, locust plagues have been recorded since Ancient Egypt, culminating in devastating effects on vulnerable regions as wind changes precipitate sudden outbreaks. As of spring 2019, swarms had extended to Iran, Pakistan, and India, in addition to their ongoing presence in East Africa. Collectively, around 20 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania are grappling with acute food emergencies tied to locust invasions.

These pests are remarkably destructive, with large swarms consuming food equivalent to that required by 35, 000 individuals daily and capable of moving up to 90 miles in a day. In 2020, severe locust clusters were documented in multiple countries, including those in East Africa, which remain the crisis's epicenter. Recent observations in Kenya reported swarms expanding over vast areas, relentlessly harming communities. The FAO’s Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust has highlighted the urgent need for collaborative intervention amidst the current crisis, as these swarms could threaten agriculture in neighboring regions like South Sudan if unchecked. Measures to combat locust outbreaks are crucial, given the historical precedent and the pressing reality of food insecurity amplified by these infestations.