Mapping Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) spatiotemporal infestation pattern in northern rangelands of Golestan province

The Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) presents a substantial threat to the rangelands of Golestan province, demanding immediate attention from responsible organizations. Although the scientific literature lacks a precise definition of infestation levels, the density of locusts per unit area remains the primary metric used to assess the severity of infestation. The destructive impact of Moroccan locust infestations on agriculture, livestock, and the environment emphasizes the urgent necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the intensity and spatial distribution of locust outbreaks in Golestan province.

In response to this knowledge gap, a comprehensive study was conducted in 2020-2022 to assess the extent of Moroccan locust infestation in the northern rangelands of Golestan province. The study utilized a multifaceted approach, combining field sampling with in-depth interviews involving 200 experts and local individuals actively engaged in combating locusts over different years. This approach aimed to outline the infested areas, quantify the density of locusts per unit area, and assess the frequency of locust presence over varying timeframes. The field sampling involved systematic surveys of locust populations in various rangeland habitats, while the interviews provided valuable insights into the historical patterns of locust infestation and the effectiveness of control measures employed by local communities and authorities.

The collected data were used to construct a spectrograph illustrating the intensity of locust invasions, incorporating variables such as density, frequency, and spatial distribution of locust outbreaks across different infestation periods. The resulting spectrograph facilitated an in-depth analysis of the periodicity and geographical expansion of locust intensity throughout the province. The comprehensive nature of the study allowed for a holistic understanding of the complex interactions between environmental factors, locust population dynamics, and human interventions in shaping the patterns of locust infestation in Golestan province. Based on this spectrograph, five distinct frequency periods of locust infestation intensity were identified, and corresponding maps depicting infestation intensity for each period were generated for the studied areas. The spatially explicit maps provided valuable insights into the hotspots of locust activity and the temporal dynamics of infestation intensity, enabling a more targeted and proactive approach to locust control and management.

The study's findings emphasize the potential of analyzing these spectrographs to unravel the underlying causes of fluctuations in locust outbreak intensity over time and location. Such insights hold considerable promise for informing the management and control of locust populations. The integration of field data with expert knowledge and community perspectives has enriched our understanding of the multifaceted nature of locust infestation dynamics, providing a solid foundation for the development of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the impact of Moroccan locust outbreaks on the rangelands of Golestan province.