Nature
Flora
The geographical location of the park is one of the reasons for its species richness, which includes 500 vascular plant species. Many northern and southern species overlap in their distribution, and a number of eastern species have their westernmost outposts here. The bedrock is nutrient rich, ideal for flora with demanding needs. The rugged topography and varied microclimates create diverse species habitat.
The Oulanka River Valley was an important dispersal route for species coming from the east to Finland after the last Ice Age. As a result, a rich diversity of relic species grows in the park today.
Fauna
Species richness also characterises the fauna of the Park. Riverbeds and alluvial meadows are home to rare butterflies and 100 bird species nest in the Park. Many meadows are managed using traditional methods and reindeer herding also continues to thrive within the park.
Rare birds like the Siberian Jay and Capercaillies and the rare northern orchid Calypso, the park's logo, also take refuge in these herb-rich forests. Predators are represented by bear, lynx wolf and wolverine. |
