The Invisible Threat to the Pine Forests of Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Forest Park

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The Invisible Threat to the Pine Forests of Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Forest Park

During the summer of 2025, we observed several unburned pine trees (Pinus brutia, Pinus nigra) showing brown needles on their branch tips. This sight raised important questions, which we decided not to leave unanswered.Pine brutia, Pine black) with brown needles on their branch tips. The image raised questions for us, which we did not leave unanswered.

We invited Dr. Dimitrios Avtzis, Research Director at the Forest Research Institute (ELGO–DIMITRA), who conducted a field sampling inspection in order to assess the condition of the pine trees. The results confirmed our concerns, as the dieback (brown needles) observed on the branch tips was found to be caused by the presence of bark beetles belonging to the subfamily Scolytinae. Scolytinae.

Bark beetles initially target weakened trees, affected by disturbances such as drought and wildfires. Through chemical signals (pheromones), they attract additional individuals of the same or related species, eventually leading to the complete infestation of the tree. Once their population increases sufficiently, they are capable of attacking even healthy trees, gradually creating clusters of dead and dried trees within the forest.

The Hellenic Forestry Research Institute, in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute, proceeded to install a network of insect traps which aim to systematically and permanently monitor species, populations and their distribution, in order to assess the intensity of the phenomenon. The traps were placed in three categories of locations, in living forest sections, in burnt areas and on the boundaries between them, with a minimum distance of 400 meters between them. A special attractant is placed in each trap, which is renewed approximately every 45 days. The collection of insects will be sent for analysis to the Forest Research Institute for further analysis and the preparation of the relevant report of the research results, hopefully by the end of this year.