Runkaus Strict Nature Reserve
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| Runkaus Strict Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
  Location in Finland | |
| Location | Lapland, Finland |
| Coordinates | 66°2′49″N 25°31′34″E / 66.04694°N 25.52611°E |
| Area | 70 km2 (27 sq mi) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Governing body | Metsähallitus |
Runkaus Strict Nature Reserve (Runkauksen luonnonpuisto) is an internationally recognized nature reserve in Lapland, Finland. It is also a Natura 2000 site, and a Key Biodiversity Area.
The site was established in 1956 and was recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1973[1]. It became a Natura 2000 site in 1998. It is located south of the Kemijoki, and has an area of 7050 hectare, consisting of 75% wetland and 25% forest. It plays a key role in protecting the biodiversity of the region, as it contains ten protected habitats- including string bogs, fens, springs, rivers, dystrophic lakes, and taiga- as well as six protected species, including the Eurasian otter. Many bird species of the region also rely upon the preserve, especially when breeding[2][3]. However, the area is expected to be severely impacted by climate change.[4]
