These Are the Current Biggest Threats to Austria's Forests

2024 once again brought high temperatures and various stresses to Austria's forests. Storm damage increased significantly, bark beetle infestation slightly decreased but remained at a very high level. In East Tyrol and Carinthia, fewer damages were reported, while in Lower and Upper Austria, increasing damages from bark beetles were reported.

Heat, Storms, and Insects Affected Austria's Forests in 2024

The warm and dry winter was unfavorable for the trees, and the high temperatures in late winter activated the bark beetles early. However, the cooling in March prevented a strong early flight this year. The BFW assumes that the swarming will occur more concentrated with rising temperatures. The further development depends on the weather in spring.

"Despite the relief over declining numbers, the risk remains high: Due to the numerous storm damages, fresh breeding material is available, the climatic conditions favor the development of several generations per year, and continue to put pressure on the spruce," said Gernot Hoch, forest protection expert at the BFW.

In addition to the spruce, other pine species also came under increasing pressure in 2024. Damage to pines from the pine bark beetle increased by 80 percent, and bark beetle infestation in the silver fir increased by 37 percent. Damage to the larch from the large larch bark beetle decreased significantly. "The dynamics of many damaging factors - especially storms, beetle infestation, and new pathogens - illustrate that the pressure to adapt on forests and forestry continues to rise. Observation and flexible responses remain essential," said Hoch.

(APA/Red.)

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