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According to the 2019 Red List of Finnish Species, the health of Finland’s flora and fauna is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
The latest assessment reveals that an additional 420 species in Finland now qualify as threatened. This comprehensive 2019 Red List evaluated over 22,000 species—1,020 more than the previous 2010 report that last gauged the precarious state of Finland’s mammals, birds, insects, and other organisms.
This fifth assessment confirms a troubling trend: 11.9 percent of the species studied are now classified as threatened, a rise from the 10.5 percent recorded in 2010.
Birds Bear the Brunt
Among the species at risk, birds are particularly hard hit. Notable entries include the snowy owl, common eider, and the Eurasian eagle-owl, along with species like the kingfisher and the lesser black-backed gull.
“The situation for birds is dire. The changes we’re witnessing are profound,” remarks Ulla-Maija Liukko, a senior researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and a co-author of the report.
The report highlights 41 mammal species on the endangered list, including the Arctic fox, Saimaa ringed seal, and the formidable wolverine.
Fish species like the landlocked salmon and the European eel also find themselves in a precarious position, along with various freshwater species of Arctic char.
In addition to vertebrates, the list encompasses a range of endangered flora and fauna, including mosses, lichens, and numerous insect species—approximately 10 percent of Finland’s insect population is now deemed at risk, reflecting a broader global trend.
Forestry’s Role in Habitat Loss
The 2019 Red List indicates that around 42 percent of Finland’s species inhabit its forests, with 30 percent of the threatened species relying on these vital ecosystems.
“The primary causes of species endangerment and extinction are primarily linked to changes in forest habitats driven by forestry practices, particularly through regeneration and management activities, and the decline of old-growth forests,” the report notes. “Further threats arise from afforestation and the encroachment of open habitats like meadows and grasslands.”
Luikko emphasizes that there is much Finland can do to avert further extinctions, particularly in the realms of wetland and bird habitat conservation. “To effect meaningful change, we need to reevaluate our approach across all sectors that utilize natural resources,” she explains.
“This doesn’t necessarily entail significant economic sacrifices. If we take a moment to reconsider the value of particular areas and adjust our activities to minimize their impact on biodiversity, we can make a substantial difference.”
A Leader in Species Assessment
The 2019 Red List adheres to the categories and criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This latest assessment follows four previous extensive evaluations conducted in 1985, 1991, 2001, and 2010, along with targeted assessments for mammals and birds in 2015.
Coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute, the assessment involved the contributions of 180 experts from various institutions, including universities, the Natural History Museum, and the Finnish Mammalian Society. The Ministry of the Environment oversaw the process, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the findings.
With estimates suggesting that at least 48,000 species call Finland home, the 2019 assessment stands as one of the most comprehensive efforts globally to evaluate biodiversity.