Forest Pest Control to Protect Balearic Woodland

44% of the surface area on the Balearic Islands is covered by forests. These ecosystems perform vital functions: they fix carbon, regulate the water cycle, prevent erosion and support a rich biodiversity. But their health is at risk. Among the most serious threats are pests such as the Cerambyx cerdo, commonly known as the great capricorn beetle, which especially affects holly oak forests across Mallorca.

The project focuses on two key species on the archipelago: the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), covering the majority of the surface area, and the holly oak (Quercus ilex), of great ecological value. In both cases, the planned works include selective sanitation felling, monitoring of outbreaks and the application of integrated control methods. In the holly oak forests, traps will also be deployed to capture adult great capricorn beetles in their reproduction phase.

The work will be carried out on public estates of high environmental value such as Son Moragues, Cúber, Binifaldó and Menut. In total, work will be carried out on some 611 hectares of affected woodland, especially in the Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Actions also include awareness-raising, research and technical follow-up.

Beyond curbing damage to forests, the aim is to strengthen the capacity of forests to adapt to climate change. Maintaining them in good health is crucial not only for biodiversity conservation, but also to ensure the survival of nature’s services that are fundamental for life across the archipelago.