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Directive species

The share of mire species of all well-known species is relatively low. In habitats directive, however, there are several northern mire species listed. Mires are a primary habitat for altogether 18 habitats and birds directive species, which corresponds to 9% of all well-known directive species. Three of the directive species (Yellow marsh saxifrage, Lapland buttercup and Slender Green Feather-moss) occur in alpine region, the rest are boreal species.

The conservation status of the habitats directive species is mainly unfavourable. The status of almost half of the species has been evaluated as unfavourable-inadequate and still weakening for the beetle Pytho kolwensis. Fen orchid and Meesia moss have been found to be the most threatened of all mire habitats directive species, and thus their conservation status has been evaluated as unfavourable-bad. Only Polargrass, Lapland buttercup and Yellow marsh saxifrage represent favourable conservation status, being under least concern. Present status of the two mire inhabiting snails included in the habitats directive (Round-mouthed whorl snail and Geger Whorl Snail) is not known.

Birds directive includes seven mire species. Population developments of three mire birds has been evaluated stable for the whole examined time period (1990–2008). The populations of Ruff and Wood sandpiper have decreased. At the same time two species, Peregrine Falcon and Common Crane, have become more abundant, although the Peregrine Falcon population had decreased earlier, during 1900–1990.

Ditch clearing remains the most common threat to the mire species. For example fen orchid and Meesia moss have suffered from drying and reforestation, which weaken their habitat quality.