Altitudinal effect and its ecological influence on population dynamics of locust, Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815) in the Moroccan Middle Atlas

This study deals with population dynamics of Dociostaurus maroccanus species. The distribution was analyzed for the first time using ecological indexes in Moroccan Middle Atlas. The study establishes a relationship between monthly samples collected using sweep nets during three years, in four stations and in relation with meteorological conditions (monthly average rainfall and temperatures) in the central Middle Atlas. The ecological indexes calculation of D. maroccanus population dynamic allowed to divide the species into two groups: dense and abundant species. However, in some stations, the population occurs during the whole season. In other stations, this species is dominant, rare and sometimes very rare with Relative abundance <5%. The locust population increases after high rainfall season followed by high temperature. Then, it decreases by the end of July. The highest rate of D. maroccanus population was recorded in high altitude stations during May and June. Moreover, this rate has been modeled by ecological indexes equations. Starting from May, locust population tend to the gregarious phase.