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10 % of species threatened in Finland

^{Grey Wolf is endangered in Finland. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.}

For the fourth time, the conservation status of species living and growing in Finland was evaluated as a three-year project conducted between 2007 and 2010. During that time the conservation status of about half of all the species found in Finland, the total of 21,400 species, was evaluated. The number of species evaluated is exceptionally large, even by international standards.

The results of the evaluation are presented in the recently published The Red List of Finnish Species. According to the results, 2,247, that is 10.5 % of the evaluated species, are threatened in Finland.

The results indicate that conservation efforts are producing some results for many species as the status of 186 species has improved. However, at the same time the status of 356 species has deteriorated, and Finland has fallen short of global objectives in its attempts to halt the decline in the country’s species.

11 threatened mammal species

Out of the 74 species of mammals evaluated in Finland, 11 are threatened. These species are: the Arctic Fox, Saimaa Ringed Seal, Wolverine, Grey Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Eurasian Brown Bear, European Polecat, Siberian Flying Squirrel, European Beaver, Nathusius’ Pipistrelle, and Natterer’s Bat.

Mountain Hare, European Polecat, and Saimaa Ringed Seal populations have declined. The Grey Seal is the only mammal to have experienced a clear improvement in numbers, and it is now classified as Least Concern.

Deliberate or unintentional trapping and hunting will continue to be a major threat to large mammals. Trends in the populations of large carnivores and Ringed Seal are dependent on the mortality caused by humans.

Also interspecific competition and hybridisation threatens many species. For example, the Finnish Forest Reindeer breeds with domestic reindeer, and the European Hare is harmful to the Mountain Hare through both competition and hybridisation.

Mild winters have contributed to the spread of the Red Fox to fell areas, where it is taking over the habitats and breeding grounds of the Arctic Fox. Global warming and milder winters have also caused a decline in mammals that have adapted to life in snowy and icy conditions, such as the Mountain Hare, and Wolverine.

^{A lack of snow causes the Mountain Hare’s white coat to stand out, placing it at a greater risk of being eaten by predators, and also hampers its attempts to take overnight shelter in snow burrows. Photo: Riku Lumiaro.}

Saving forests important

Over 36 % of the threatened species live in forests, and changes in forest habitats are the primary threat to a total of 693 species. The major threats are a reduction in decaying wood and forest regeneration and management measures, such as clear cutting and mechanical soil preparation.

The rate of decline in species inhabiting forests and traditional rural biotopes has slowed slightly. 81 forest species have experienced an improvement. Half of these are beetles, which have benefited from, for example, retention trees – especially aspens – left standing in clear-cut areas. However, 108 forest species have experienced a clear deterioration. The majority of these are lichens, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hymenopters.

For more information on the conservation status of Finnish species, have a look at The Red List of Finnish Species.

Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.