Caterpillar outbreak threatens forest in Khalkan Valley

DUKAN — A fast-spreading caterpillar infestation is damaging native trees and vegetation in the woodlands of Khalkan subdistrict, part of Sulaymaniyah’s Dukan district, prompting concern among local officials and residents about the long-term health of the forest ecosystem.

Local authorities say the invasive insect has affected roughly half of the area’s natural tree cover.

On Sunday, a 964media team accompanied Khalkan Subdistrict Director Kamaran Abdullah on a field visit to Badawan village to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the outbreak.

“Since after Newroz, a dangerous caterpillar has appeared in Khalkan Valley, feeding on tree leaves and preventing regrowth,” Abdullah said. “This species may have existed in previous years, but it’s never been this harmful.”

Abdullah confirmed that approximately 50 percent of the forest cover in Khalkan has been affected. The Sulaymaniyah Forestry and Agriculture Police have been notified in an effort to coordinate a response.