Modeling population dynamics of Ips typographus in the Bohemian Forest (Czech Republic)

The Bohemian Forest is known for recurrent outbreaks of the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. Such outbreaks are initiated by extensive windfalls left unmanaged after severe windstorms. In an attempt to more thoroughly understand population dynamics of I. typographus, including the consequent forest destruction, we model both within-season phenology of the species and its landscape-wide, spatio-temporal dynamics. In the latter case, we combine a forest growth model with simulations of windstorms and long-term dynamics of an I. typographus population. Results of our study may help in managing future bark beetle outbreaks, but also in understanding natural disturbance patterns prior to human settlement and influence.