Regional Mountain Conference

The European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) has caused considerable damage in many Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests in recent years, due to the dry and warm conditions that have prevailed. As the climate becomes increasingly unfavourable for spruce, at least at low elevations in Europe, and the bark beetle pressure continues to rise, these forests are becoming more vulnerable, posing ecological challenges even in previously unaffected regions at higher elevations.

Prompt removal of infested trees during the early stage of a bark beetle outbreak can protect surrounding trees. However, climate change and increasing beetle populations make timely interventions and large-scale outbreak control increasingly difficult, often shifting management focus to the post-infestation phase. Consequently, effective post-disturbance forest management is becoming essential. Yet, our understanding of ecological advantages and ecosystem service implications of leaving beetle-killed trees in beetle-disturbed areas remains limited.

Our research in spruce-dominated mountain forests in the Swiss and Italian Alps addresses these challenges. We examine the short- to medium-term impacts of post-bark beetle interventions on biodiversity potential and natural tree regeneration by analysing site, forest, and tree characteristics. We distinguish post-disturbance management strategies such as no intervention, partial removal of bark beetle-killed trees with or without release of deadwood on the ground, and salvage logging, and include undisturbed control sites for comparison. At the conference, we will present preliminary results, following field data collection in summer and autumn 2025.

Given the likelihood of increasing frequency and severity of bark beetle disturbance in mountain forests, understanding their impacts and providing practical insights for sustainable post-disturbance management is essential. To effectively address these ecological challenges, efforts should focus on conserving forest biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and promoting sustainable forest management under a changing climate.