The Invisible Threat to the Pine Forests of Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli Forest National 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.
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.
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.
In collaboration with the Forest Research Institute, SPBT proceeded with the installation of a network of insect traps aimed at the systematic and long-term monitoring of species, population levels, and distribution patterns, in order to assess the extent of the phenomenon. The traps were placed in three categories of sites: living forest stands, burned areas, and the transitional zones between them, with a minimum distance of 400 meters between traps. Each trap contains a special attractant substance, which is renewed approximately every 45 days. The collected insect samples will be sent to the Forest Research Institute for further analysis and the preparation of the relevant research report. We hope that the results of the study will be available by the end of this year.
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