Do healthy forests have greater resistance to naturally occurring forest pests?

Healthy forests do indeed have greater resistance to naturally occurring forest pests. A healthy forest ecosystem typically has a diverse range of tree species, age classes, and healthy soil, which contributes to overall resilience. This biodiversity is crucial because it can support a balance in the local ecosystem, including natural predators of pests and a robust nutrient cycle that promotes tree health.

When a forest is healthy, trees are generally stronger and better able to withstand stress caused by pests and diseases. For instance, a diverse forest can prevent pest outbreaks since many pests tend to target specific species. In addition, healthy trees often have strong defenses against diseases and pests, such as thicker bark and more resins that can deter insect infestations.

In contrast, a forest that lacks diversity or has weakened trees as a result of disease, pollution, or monoculture practices is more susceptible to pest infestations. Therefore, the notion that healthy forests provide greater resistance aligns with the principles of ecosystem resilience and biodiversity management.