Greece's Iconic Fir Forests Under Threat from Unseen Killers Post-Wildfires

In the southern Peloponnese, Greece's iconic fir forests, traditionally resilient to wildfires, are facing a new and alarming threat. Research led by Dimitrios Avtzis from the Forest Research Institute has revealed extensive tree die-offs, not just from recent wildfires, but also in areas untouched by flames.

The unprecedented scale of this damage prompted Avtzis to alert the environment ministry, highlighting that the devastation spans hundreds of hectares. Factors contributing to this crisis include prolonged drought, worsening soil conditions, and a significant reduction in winter snow cover, which has decreased by an average of 1.5 days per year from 1991 to 2020.

The weakened fir trees are now increasingly vulnerable to bark beetle infestations, which have proliferated due to the trees' compromised health. These insects bore beneath the bark, disrupting essential nutrient and water transport systems, leading to rapid population increases that are hard to control.

This situation is not isolated to Greece; similar outbreaks are being reported across Europe, indicating a broader ecological problem exacerbated by climate change. Despite these challenges, forest climatologist Nikos Markos notes that Mediterranean ecosystems possess a regenerative capacity, although recovery is slow and can take several years.

Avtzis emphasizes the need for government action and funding to address these issues, stressing that the current environmental changes are likely to intensify. Overall, the fate of Greece's fir forests hangs in the balance as climate pressures mount.