Distribution, ecological and taxonomic study of Locusta migratoria migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758) and long term monitoring of its outbreak in Cold desert of Ladakh (UT) India

Abstract

Short horned orthopetra from the family acrididae in gregarious phase is generally known as locust. In solitary condition they are harmless and overlooked. In history no epidemic of locust was snoop in the cold desert of Ladakh. In the last two decades Locusta migratoria migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758) is enormously affecting the livelihood of the trans-Himalayan region. Present study emphasized in Changthang, Chusul and Pangom Tso area of the Ladakh from 2008 to 2019. The purpose of this study was to explore the distribution, ecological and taxonomical aspects of the outbreak of migratory locusts in the fragile ecosystem. The long term monitoring assessed the geographic coverage of the locust infestation, swarming hotspots; evaluate the population parameters such as densities and developmental stages in the region. It was observed that migratory locust impinge along the Indus river area from Tibet and China and swarms year to year in Ladakh. They drastically impacted on the livelihood of the region with demolish the greenery of the area.