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
- Artenspürhunde Schweiz
- Graubünden Bark Beetle Sniffer Dogs Association
- 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 Sniffer 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 ¶
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, presentations and publications as the project progresses.
Publications and presentations
2026
- July 2026: Bottero et al. Poster “Early detection of bark beetle infestation using drones and scent detection dogs”. Regional Mountain Conference (RMC), Obergurgl (Austria), 5–8 July 2026. Poster.
Media and outreach
2026
- July 2026: Info Bregaglia – Detection dogs and drones for the early detection of bark beetle infestations. Introduction to the SPÜR-IPS project and the planned field activities in the Bregaglia region. Info Bregaglia.
Social media
We regularly share updates from the SPÜR-IPS project, including fieldwork, project milestones and research highlights.
Instagram: @ale.bottero
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alessandra-bottero
Project-related posts can also be found using the hashtag #SPÜRIPS