Terrestrial rewilding

3 Ways of restoring natural processes in forests

3.3 Allowing bark beetle infestations

Bark beetle infestations are often seen as destructive but they are a natural part of forest dynamics. Allowing these infestations can create gaps in the canopy, promoting the growth of diverse plant species and providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife species.

Allowing infestations is an example of letting nature lead by reducing human management and control and allowing natural processes and dynamics to take place.

A forest scene with several trees, some of which appear to be dead or dying, indicated by their bare and grayish branches.

Result of bark beetle work, North Velebit National Park, Croatia. Credit: Staffan Widstrand.