Expanding populations

The pine processionary was chosen as the main model for this strand, given its scientific interest in studying the response of forest insects to global changes, but also of its economic impact and especially the new health issues posed by its expansion into urban and peri-urban areas.

The following research objectives have been defined:

• To identify the expansion front across Europe and develop predictive modelling of pine processionary and other invasive species expansion in relation to future climate change assumptions.

• Analyse the fine genetic structure of the expanding populations of pine processionary.

• Identify adaptive processes at the level of expanding populations and their ecological impact in newly settled areas.

• To expand collaborative research in Europe for an integrated approach to the ecological and health consequences of the expansion of the processionary with climate change.