Explainer: Understanding desert locustsSwarms of desert locusts have invaded the northern part of Kenya, leaving the government grappling with the challenge. SEE ALSO :Leaders warn of crisis as locusts raid regionUN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) categorises the Desert Locust as the most dangerous pest in the world. Subscribe Now »As their name suggests, desert locusts are found in semi-arid and arid areas. “During plagues, the Desert Locust has the potential to damage the livelihood of a tenth of the world's population,” says FAO. In a day, a swarm of desert locusts can travel a distance of five to 130 kilometres or more at an average speed of 17kph.

Source: Standard Digital January 10, 2020 12:39 UTC