Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Research 13.11.2025
Beavers create habitats for bats
Beavers create habitats for bats

A study shows that land animals benefit from beaver dam construction – for example, endangered bats.

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A beaver stands near a riverbank, amidst green foliage and fallen branches. It is engaged in chewing on some plant material, showcasing its characteristic fur and sturdy build. The setting is natural, with water visible in the foreground and dense vegetation in the background.
 
Institutional 12.11.2025
Seven highly cited researchers at WSL
Seven highly cited researchers at WSL

Katrin Meusburger and Yann Vitasse from WSL are now on the list of the world’s most influential researchers in their field.

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A woman with long brown hair is smiling at the camera, wearing a dark sweater. She stands outdoors surrounded by autumn foliage, with warm tones of orange and yellow in the background. The overall scene conveys a sense of warmth and approachability.
 
Research 05.11.2025
Dead wood brings life to the forest
Dead wood brings life to the forest

In a study based on long-term data, WSL researchers show that woodpecker populations grow when there is more deadwood.

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Three-toed woodpecker perched on dead tree trunk against clear blue sky.
 
Research 29.10.2025
Resource-efficient living in the countryside
Resource-efficient living in the countryside

How can rural communities create a framework that allows their populations to live well within planetary boundaries?

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A common sufficiency measure is the promotion of cycling. (Photo: Tonja Iten)
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

News

Research
14.11.2025

Analysing DNA from the environment

DNA from air, soil and water is analysed in WSL's clean laboratory. See how this method is used to identify fungi species.

Services and products
07.11.2025

White Risk is Switzerland's best app

The Best of Swiss Apps jury has named White Risk, the SLF app for avalanche prevention, Master of Swiss Apps.

Research
06.11.2025

Animated film on the mountain hare and climate

Art meets science: an animated film shows how WSL researchers are monitoring mountain hares in a changing climate.

Services and products
03.11.2025
Diagram shows different tree species in a three-dimensional grid with labels for growth, competition, reproduction, seed production, seed dispersal and mortality.

Top models and hard facts: calculating the world

Forests, rockfalls and insects: researchers at WSL and SLF are modelling nature. How, why and for whom explains the new DIAGONAL.

Research
31.10.2025
View looking up at tree canopies with green leaves and bare branches against a blue sky.

Insect-driven tree deaths rising

In Europe, more trees are dying from insect infestations. Broadleaves cope better than conifers, as heat and drought worsen the issue.

Research
01.10.2025
Three people stand on the shore of a meltwater lake in front of tall, layered glacier walls with a dark cave in the center under a blue sky.

And Swiss glaciers continue to melt

The ice mass has decreased by a quarter over the last ten years, as shown by observations from the GLAMOS measurement network.

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Events

21 November 2025

Resilient rivers: refugia – connectivity – stepping stones

BAFU Research Program «Wasserbau und Ökologie» 2022 - 2026. Project plenary meeting

26 February 2026

Multifunktionale Lösungen für Städte der Zukunft

Dieser Workshop bietet eine Plattform, um sich über die Herausforderungen und Herangehensweisen bei Planung, Gestaltung und Umsetzung von…

12 March 2026

Multifunktionale Lösungen für Städte der Zukunft - Tag2

Dieser Workshop bietet eine Plattform, um sich über die Herausforderungen und Herangehensweisen bei Planung, Gestaltung und Umsetzung von…

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