This project aims for the elaboration of an action plan adapted to insect pests that are increasing in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. The action plan would be a tool to predict and prevent possible outbreaks of insects. During the last years, one invasive specie has been recorded in Horsh Ehden, Leptoglossus occidentalis, the insect is a pest on pine but can attack 40 different conifer trees and can affect the natural regeneration of these trees including cedars, firs, pines, junipers. The pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni, and the cedar sawfly, Cephalcia tannourinensis, are increasing in number and lately, a skeletonizing larvae is affecting maple trees in the reserve. This project is designed to bring solutions to these threats and to be used as a template in other reserves and other forests at the national level and the regional level.
In addition, the project will help in the development of an insectarium which has a great impact on the visitors of the reserve as well as the development of some awareness materials and communication tools.