Finland, nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand lakes,’ is known for its extensive natural beauty. However, it is also home to a remarkable array of biological diversity which remains a less-known treasure. This Scandinavian country boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from coastal regions to forest habitats and arctic tundra, each with its unique biodiversity. In this blog post, we explore the intriguing biological diversity in Finland.
Divided By Four: Finland’s Biogeographical Provinces
Finland’s diverse landscape is divided into four main biogeographical provinces: southern, middle, northern boreal, and fell. These regions are distinguished by their unique weather conditions, landscape features, and distinct vegetation.
Southern boreal province is characterized by lush mixed woodlands teeming with spruce, pine, and birch trees. The region is home to a variety of wildlife such as bears, red foxes, Eurasian lynxes, and diverse bird species.
Middle boreal contains the most extended coniferous forests, dominated by Scots Pine and Norway Spruce. It supports a broad spectrum of wildlife, including wolverines and wild reindeer.
Northern boreal or the ‘taiga’ forms the transitional zone between the coniferous forest and the true Arctic. This region is adapted to the harshest weather conditions and supports a relative variety of plant species.
Lastly, the fell region or ‘tundra’ has a delicate ecosystem inhabited by specialized species adapted to survive in such relentless environments.
Forests: The Green Treasure of Finland
Approximately 75% of Finland’s land area is covered in forests, making it Europe’s most densely forested country. This vast green expanse is the primary source of the nation’s rich biodiversity, hosting an array of different species. Finnish forests are primarily composed of coniferous trees such as pines, spruces, and birches. However, a closer look reveals a wealth of understory flora, including iconic Finnish berries like lingonberries, bilberries, and cloudberries, all women in this verdant tapestry.
Finnish Lakes: The Blue Gems
Finland’s moniker ‘the land of a thousand lakes’ is an understatement — the country holds over 188,000 lakes. These water bodies form aquatic ecosystems supporting diverse life forms from fish species including perch, pike, and salmon to a variety of water and shorebirds. The Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest seals globally, can only be found in Finland’s Lake Saimaa.
The Fascinating Alpine Region
The Finnish Alpine region, or Lapland, is another biodiversity hotspot. Its distinct conditions represent a challenging environment for flora and fauna. However, resilient species like cloudberries and reindeers thrive there.
Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts
Finland’s biodiversity, like anywhere else, faces significant threats from climate change and habitat loss. Unfortunately, some species like the Saimaa ringed seal and the Arctic fox are endangered.
To combat this, Finland has several conservation programs in place. There are comprehensive national parks, like the Nuuksio National Park in southern Finland, the Lemmenjoki National Park in Lapland, and several others aimed at preserving natural habitats.
Conclusion
From the vibrant forests in the south to the ethereal tundra in the north, Finland encapsulates remarkable biodiversity within its borders. This wealth of life is not just a marvel to explore but also plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance, reinforcing the necessity for continued conservation efforts. Indeed, the biological diversity in Finland is a hidden treasure waiting to be fully explored and valued by the world.