Bark beetles threaten spruce trees in Koli National Park, Finland

For a long time, Finland has been relatively insulated from forest damage, but now, bark beetles are killing spruce trees even in Koli National Park. Johanna Tuviala, a project researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, is investigating the impact of climate change on ecosystems. She is part of a research team studying the effects of forest insects, particularly bark beetles, on forests.

Tuviala is surprised by the rapid transformation caused by bark beetles in the Koli landscape. “If the current rate of bark beetle infestations continues, all the spruces at the top of Koli could be dead in about six years,” she estimates. Rising temperatures and storm damage have created favorable conditions for various bark beetle species, with the most aggressive being the bark beetle itself. This has resulted in spruce die-offs not only in Koli but across the country.

Researchers indicate that climate warming signifies a new and unpredictable era. The fate of Koli’s spruces exemplifies what this means in practice. Aerial footage captured using a hydrogen-powered airship has revealed the alarming speed of spruce damage in Koli National Park. Research is underway across 153 hectares, assessing bark beetle damage and monitoring the number of afflicted trees.

The number of dead trees has almost doubled in a year, with old trees now visible as grey silhouettes. Researchers are using AI to identify sick spruces from aerial images. The national mapping agency is also involved, utilizing imaging sensors for more accurate data collection than ground studies.

The increase in temperature, combined with rising drought and monoculture practices, has created a perfect storm for bark beetles. If conditions remain favorable, bark beetle populations could multiply rapidly, raising concerns about Koli’s forest ecosystems.