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Deep, cold inlets of the sea, called fjords, penetrate this ecoregion and divide it into narrow strips of land. Along the fjords, steep cliffs rise from the sea. Numerous islands are part of this dramatic landscape. Some of the islands have trees, but many are dominated by barren rock with sparse vegetation. These islands are home to numerous seabirds and seals. Coniferous forests can be found from the rocky coasts inland to where less precipitation yields Scandinavian montane birch forests and grasslands.
The oceanic influence on this northern land creates a cold and damp climate perfect for the growth of dense coniferous forests. However, winters here are relatively mild, which allows plants that can’t tolerate frost--such as star hyacinth and purple heather--to survive much farther north than normal.
Birds love this region because of numerous pine, spruce, juniper, yew, and other coniferous trees. Here, grouse and woodpeckers can be found in the dense forests, while birds of prey such as goshawks and sparrowhawks hunt for mice and other small animals among the rocks and clearings. Large hoofed animals such as elk and deer can also be found roaming through these coastal woods in search of fresh forage. There are also several carnivores, including bears, lynx, martens, and red foxes. Along the rocky coastline the snorts of common seals mix with the raucous cries of numerous seabirds. This ecoregion contains seven areas of great importance to birds, including the Vega and Smola archipelagos, and the Jaeren wetland system.
Pressures include logging and small towns along the coast. These settlements increase the pressures of hunting, small-scale agriculture, and wood collection. For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report. All text by World Wildlife Fund © 2001
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