Discover Finland : Nature (Biodiversity / Fauna & Flora)

Wildlife in forests and boreal regions

Predators such as lynxes, eagles and gluttons (very dangerous) still live in the heart of the country's immense eastern forests near the Russian border.

The

brown bear, once so feared that it was taboo to pronounce its name (karhu

), remains the most impressive. Having regained its habitat since the desertification of the huge fir forests of Russian Karelia annexed at the end of the Second World War, it is no longer threatened with extinction. Specialized bear-watching excursions can be organized. Today, the bear, the country's totem animal, sees its population stagnating at around 2,000 head by 2019. This figure has been able to increase thanks in particular to the quota set up for hunting. In 2019, for example, only 313 bears were allowed to be shot.

The

wolves, on the other hand, have almost disappeared. In Eastern Finland, there is so much hatred and fear of wolves that once a wolf is spotted, it is immediately hunted down.

There

are about 250 wolves in the country (figures from 2019).

The

glutton, on the other hand, is a little-known animal that gave its name to the expression "eating like a glutton". And for good reason, this animal has the reputation of being a voracious carnivore. In 2019, it is estimated that the glutton population will number about 300 head. And besides, Finland is considered one of the best countries in the world to watch gl

uttons.
The

lynx is the fourth largest carnivore in the country and one of the rarest to be seen

. There

are about 2,000 individuals in Finland

.

The reindeer has to contend with several predators such as the glutton, a formidable enemy. The reindeer's diet consists in summer of various plants and in winter of lichens that are cleared from the snow with their very useful hooves. The large number of reindeer does not require any special protective measures. In this area, man is still the most dangerous predator. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986 led to the slaughter of thousands of reindeer in the country, seriously damaging the food chain. In Lapland, reindeer herds, during their annual migrations, gather on the tunturis

, the mysterious heights that loom as far as the eye can see. Several times a year (autumn and winter) the local people gather the reindeer

(poroerotus

) to

sort and mark them, a sight not to be missed.

The

elk are present throughout Finland. It has few natural predators and its population is regulated by hunting. There are about 100,000 elk, an impressive animal with antlers, and males can reach up to 700 kg. To determine quotas, they roughly correspond to the number of fawns calved in May and June of the same year.

The

polar fox is also quite common, as is the beaver. In a smaller category, see also hedgehog, muskrat, marten, otter and hare.

The

only poisonous snake in Finland is the viper (kyy), whose antidote (kyypakkaus

) can be

found in pharmacies.

The seal living in Lake Saimaa, whose species is practically extinct, is legally protected. In order to raise awareness about the preservation of the species, WWF has set up a webcam system to launch a live channel called Norppalive. "The aim of Norppalive is to raise public awareness of the presence and life of the Saimaa ringed seal and to increase collective motivation for the protection of the species."

Lapland's waters are also home to a wide range of wildlife. Renowned as one of the world's largest salmon fishing grounds, the region also has trout, burbot and perch in its river system.

Ornithologists will not be outdone. Many varieties of birds (wild ducks, falcons, owls, etc.) can be seen in the Lappish sky. Unfortunately, global warming is having a significant impact on birds. Indeed, the winter of 2020 with its particularly mild temperatures has encouraged birds not to migrate: the mild temperatures and the water that does not freeze make it unnecessary for them to leave. To get an idea, January was between 7 and 8 degrees warmer than the seasonal averages.

The flora

The flora, particularly rich during the beautiful season, from the end of May to September, offers its flowerbeds, fields in the heart of the birch forests. Wild berries and mushrooms invade the provincial markets in autumn. There are also plenty of gooseberries, blueberries, cranberries and the curious lakka, polar berries with a special taste that resembles yellow raspberries. The Lappish flora, on the other hand, is less diverse than the fauna. The harsh climate makes it difficult for plants and flowers to grow.
In this respect, the snow-covered peaks in winter are merciless and almost always covered with patches of ice, even in summer. Forests in the lower elevations are mainly supplied with spruce, pine and birch. Swampy areas are covered with exuberant flora in spring, including reeds and flowers.