SPÜR-IPS: Early detection of bark beetle infestation (Ips typographus) using a combination of remote sensing and scent detection dogs
Alessandra Bottero
Simon Blaser
Tomoki Loeillot
Andreas Stoffel
2026 - 2028
FinancingProject partner:
- SLF
- WSL
- Azienda Forestale Bregaglia
- Forest enterprise Scuol
- Species detection dogs Switzerland
- Clinica Alpina Scuol veterinary clinic
Background:
- Problem of the European spruce bark beetle
- Early detection difficult
- Mountain forests
Project goals:
- Combination of drones + dogs
- Validation
- Practical relevance
Scent detection dogs in action ¶
In the SPÜR-IPS project, specially trained scent detection dogs are used to detect early stages of infestation of the European spruce bark beetle. Video: Graubünden Bark Beetle Detection Dogs Association, 2026.
Can scent detection dogs detect the European spruce bark beetle before trees show visible symptoms?
The SPÜR-IPS project investigates the combination of remote sensing and scent detection dogs for the early detection of bark beetles in mountain forests. Based on existing remote sensing models, we test whether the detection of aggregation and anti-aggregation pheromones improves field validation and extends the time window for interventions.
News ¶
July 2026: Presentation of the project at the Regional Mountain Conference.
Summer 2026: Project presentation in Info Bregaglia.
May 2026: SPÜR-IPS project approved by the Wald- und Holzforschungsförderung Schweiz (WHFF-CH).
Publications and media ¶
This section will list project reports, media contributions, posters and publications as the project progresses.
Publications
Media and outreach