Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Research 18.06.2026
Heat warnings for river fish
Heat warnings for river fish

With the rising frequency of heatwaves, a tool generates heat warnings for river fish in Switzerland for proactive river management

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Research 10.06.2026
Balancing wind power and bird conservation
Balancing wind power and bird conservation

Data from weather radars could reduce the risk of collisions of birds with wind turbines—with minimal impact on electricity generation.

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A bird is flying over a landscape with multiple wind turbines in the background. The sky is light and overcast, and the scene is tranquil, showcasing the contrast between nature and renewable energy.
 
Research 04.06.2026
Measuring metre-high surge waves
Measuring metre-high surge waves

For the first time, WSL researchers tracked debris flows over two kilometres, revealing how these dangerous mudflows unfold.

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The deep riverbed of the Illgraben gives a sense of the enormous masses of scree that thunder down into the valley here.
 
Research 02.06.2026
Historical data on insect diversity in Switzerland
Historical data on insect diversity in Switzerland

National data archive reveals for the first time how the diversity of butterflies and beetles in Switzerland has changed over 90 years.

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A close-up of a butterfly perched on a yellow flower's center, showcasing its delicate wings with orange and brown patterns. The background features a soft, blurred green that highlights the butterfly and flower. In the Swiss Plateau, the butterfly Lycaena virgaureae, whose caterpillar feeds exclusively on sorrel, has disappeared. In other regions, the population is stable. (Photo: Felix Neff)
 

Research for people and the environment in a changing world

News

Research
16.06.2026
Tree with sun behind it along a narrow path on a green meadow under a blue sky

New map showing light and shade in Switzerland

SLF researchers have calculated ground light levels in Switzerland to within ten metres. The model even simulates individual tree shadows.

Research
12.06.2026
Dry riverbed with rocky bottom and forested banks under blue sky

"The heat is gone, but the drought remains."

Not enough snow, not enough water: An interview with SLF hydrologist Manuela Brunner on the causes of the ongoing drought in Switzerland.

Services and products
11.06.2026

What have we learned about climatic extremes?

Heat, drought, heavy rain: a new website presents the key findings and products of the WSL research programme “Extremes”.

Services and products
04.06.2026
Two hikers are standing on rocks covered in a light dusting of snow, looking out over a mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks. Yellow larch trees stand beside them. The sky is clear and blue.

Nothing stays the same: understanding change

To be prepared for the future, we need to understand the past. The new DIAGONAL explains how WSL and SLF are helping to achieve this.

Research
03.06.2026
Blick von unten auf hohe, trockene Ahorn-Bäume, die gegen den blauen Himmel ragen. Einige Bäume sind kahl und haben wulstige Nekrosen, während andere noch grüne Blätter haben.

Forest protection overview 2025

How healthy are our forests? The WSL Swiss Forest Protection Centre highlights current issues.

Institutional
01.06.2026
Four individuals stand together in a modern interior setting. They are dressed in casual and business attire. The first person on the left wears a light sweater, the second has a red shirt, the third is in a button-up shirt, and the fourth wears a dark top.

New SLF management team

Following the retirement of the former head of the SLF, the institute is now being co-led by the four on-site heads of unit.

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Events

16 to 21 August 2026

Forests for the future: strategies for carbon sequestration

Join for the interdisciplinary Summer School, which SCENE is organizing together with the TriNational ForestLab, the SwissForestLab and the…

23 to 28 August 2026

Summer School 2026: Blue-green biodiversity. Research and practice at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

The WSL-Eawag Biodiversity Center is pleased to announce the fourth summer school on blue-green biodiversity.

2 September 2026

WSL Day of Young Landscape Research 2026

Following the success of previous conferences, the Landscape Centre WSL is once again organizing the “Young Landscape Researchers”…

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