Nature

The PAN Parks wilderness area in Oulanka is a unique example of a meandering river ecosystem surrounded by extensive boreal forests near the Arctic Circle. It is the first certified piece of PAN Parks Wilderness in Finland with the ambition to protect fragments of unlogged boreal forest from intensive reindeer herding.

Flora

The geographical location of the park is one of the reasons for its species richness. 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, while the rugged topography and varied microclimates create diverse species habitat.

Flagship species: wild orchids e.g. Calypso Bulbosa

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 capercaillie also take refuge in these herb-rich forests. Predators are represented by bear, lynx wolf and wolverine.

Flagship species: golden eagle, capercaillie, bear, flying squirrel