![The vast open aapa mire landscape. The vast open aapa mire landscape.](https://rsis.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/styles/risv_medium/public/RISapp/files/5260732/pictures/ramsar%2045.%20Koitelainen_Arto_Saikkonen.jpg?itok=rtmEMgce)
Koitelainen Mires
- Country:Finland
- Site number:12
- Area:48,938 ha
- Designation date:28-05-1974
- Coordinates:67°47'N 27°10'E
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Overview
Koitelainen is one of the most representative aapa mire areas of the Central Lapland region. Covering the watersheds of the Luiro and Kitinen Rivers, it features almost 100 kilometres of streams, swamps, fens, ponds and small lakes. The Site is one of the most important areas for the conservation of rich-fen plant species, and hosts several nationally endangered species. These include long seta hump moss (Meesia longiseta), slender green feather moss (Hamatocaulis vernicosus) and yellow march saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus). Waterbird species protected under the European Union’s Birds Directive can also be found, including the nationally critically endangered ruff (Philomachus pugnax) and the nationally vulnerable Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus). Reindeer husbandry is an important livelihood here, and may have negative effects on the Site, which is untouched by visitors and without any facilities besides a snowmobile track that crosses the eastern part of the area.
Administrative region:
Lapland
- National legal designation:
- Old Growth Forests Protected Area - Koitelaisen laajennus
- Protected area - Koitelainen
- Regional (international) legal designations:
- EU Natura 2000
- Last publication date:18-01-2021