Poiana Stampei Peat Bog (Tinovul Poiana Stampei). 25/10/11; Suceava County; 640 ha; 47°17'28"N, 025°05'57"E. Scientific Reserve, NATURA 2000. Considered the largest oligotrophic peat bog in Romania, the site is forested with pine Pinus silvestris f.turfosa and surrounded by spruce forest, which acts as a buffer zone. It includes several habitat types listed under the EU Habitats Directive and provides a shelter for internationally rare species of fauna and flora such as the Ligularia sibirica. Many invertebrates like rotifers, cladocers, copepods and insects can be found, and the peat bog also hosts species of endemic algae such as Batrachospermum dornense. Some of the plant species, such as moss Sphagnum wulfianum and fern Dryopteris cristata, are relict in Romania. The forest components of the site are important for the prevention of floods, especially during spring and rainy periods. The site plays a role in the purification of water and stores considerable amounts of carbon dioxide as the peat grows. It is mainly used for scientific research and educational purposes. High winds have resulted in serious tree damage, which is expected to lead to an increase in bark insect populations. Ramsar Site no. 2003. Most recent RIS information: 2011.