Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
Several adjacent areas of boreal forest and mire in southernmost Kuusamo. This is one of the most important areas of old-growth forest in Finland, and its value is increased by its location adjacent to large, intact forest areas in Russia. Standing and fallen dead trees and 400-500 year-old living trees are not uncommon. Aapa mires are also representative, with herb-rich slope swamps and a multitude of natural springs. Barren, natural
Pinus sylvestris heaths are the most typical feature of the landscape. The IBA has remained largely natural, and current human impact is minor.
An important breeding area for boreal avifauna.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area is a candidate SAC.
National None
International High11,211 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Etelä-Kuusamon vanhat metsät).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Närängänvaara-Virmajoki-Romevaara (Finland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/närängänvaara-virmajoki-romevaara-iba-finland on 23/11/2024.
