Bark beetles are not left unaffected by climate change. Some species migrate to high altitudes and settle where they would not have been able to survive a few years ago. Therefore bark beetles gain importance in the Alpine area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein", although only 5 % of the area consist of spruce monocultures.
Especially the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) plays an important role in forest dynamics of "Wilderness Dürrenstein". In contrast to an economically oriented forestry, bark beetles are not primarily regarded with animosity in "Wilderness Dürrenstein", but as crucial partners. This statement may seem incongruous, but is very real and applicable in "Wilderness Dürrenstein". Bark beetles significantly contribute to accelerating decomposition of secondary spruce forests. They are constituent parts of natural ecosystems and account for:
a fast turnover of nutrients: bark beetles initialize decomposition of wood and bark for further breakdown by fungi and other microorganisms.
a creation of habitats: numerous organisms inhabit bark beetle galleries, where they scavenge for food, hide, hibernate or reproduce. Resulting dead wood is the livelihood of various animals and plants, which cannot survive in managed forests.
a food source for animals: bark beetles and their larvae are integral parts of food webs; predators range from insects to black woodpeckers
selection and contribution to a change in population: in natural forests generally weak trees and those of poor health are infested, therefore healthy trees benefit. Dead trees allow light to pass down to the forest floor, enabling forest regeneration and – renewal.
modified habitats: they provide additional grazing ground for deer and ungulates and additional hunting ground for birds of prey and owls.
"Wilderness Dürrenstein" is called a "biotope protective forest" by law of the Austrian Forestry Act. According to this designation the administration of "Wilderness Dürrenstein" is not liable to combat bark beetles. But the number of bark beetles is not supposed to increase to an amount where adjacent managed forests are endangered. In order to prevent development in that direction, multiple control mechanisms have been introduced:
the most important and modern mechanism is a joint project, carried out together with the Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection (BOKU, Vienna) and a private company, Fa. Bogner & Lehner. Bogner & Lehner provide climate data from within the area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein" by GMS-based data transmission and the Institute processes and models these data in order to generate precise forecasts of bark beetle development. View detailed information at: http://ifff-server.boku.ac.at/. Additionally the Istitute records the actual increase in bark beetle infested trees every autumn.
Twice a year inspection tours together with the responsible Forestry Authority take place.
Recently the establishment of buffering zones is also discussed with experts of science, authorities and land owners.
