Norway features a rich tapestry of ecosystems, including rugged mountains, glaciers, verdant forests, and fertile coastlines, showcasing a remarkable diversity in nature. The contrast in landscapes, habitats, plants, and animals across different regions of the country is striking, with significant variations occurring over relatively short distances—a phenomenon that is rare both in the Nordic countries and globally.
The range of mainland habitats extends from southern beech forests to Arctic regions in the north and from moist coastal areas to arid inland valleys. The challenging cold northern climate necessitates that the species residing in Norway are robustly adapted to endure low temperatures, a brief growing season, and a humid climate.
Four pillars elaborated:
Norway’s protected areas encompass 17.5% of the mainland, with over half of this land designated as national parks. The country hosts around 3,200 protected zones, including 40 national parks on the mainland, 195 protected landscapes, and 2,414 nature reserves, all governed by the Norwegian Biodiversity Act since 2009. While a significant portion of these areas consists of mountainous terrain, coastal and marine habitats remain underrepresented.
Land Management
Various protection categories under the Biodiversity Act include national parks, nature reserves, protected landscapes, biotope areas, and marine protected areas. Svalbard, in contrast to the mainland, has a higher proportion of its territory protected—65% of the land and about 85% of the territorial waters up to the 12-nautical-mile limit fall under protection, including 7 national parks, all regulated by the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act.
Biodiversity in Norway faces significant threats from five primary drivers identified globally: land use change, over-harvesting, climate change, invasive alien species, and pollution. Land use change is the most critical, affecting 87% of threatened and near-threatened species in the country. Climate change also poses a considerable threat, altering habitats and forcing species to migrate to new areas. According to the Norwegian Black List, there are 216 terrestrial and marine alien species that pose a high ecological risk.
Threats to Biodiversity
In the marine environment, the introduction of invasive species and the buildup of persistent contaminants in food chains are major concerns. Additionally, climate change is expected to dramatically affect marine biodiversity, with many species migrating northwards due to rising sea temperatures and changes such as ocean acidification and reduced ice cover in the Arctic Ocean further altering living conditions for marine species.
Norway has made significant progress towards the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets, with nearly 17% of its mainland and 65% of the Svalbard region currently protected through national parks and nature reserves. In the forests, about 2.7% is protected to preserve biodiversity, with increased governmental funding for forest conservation and national park developments. Efforts in marine conservation include initiating planning for a network of marine protected areas and implementing area-based management in fisheries to protect vulnerable habitats and reduce bycatch.
Capacity and Governance
On land, protection plans for various ecosystems like mires and coastal sites important for seabirds are largely in place, supported by advances in research, monitoring, and public education initiatives like the “Network for Environmental Studies” and “Natural Schoolbag” project. Additionally, Norway respects indigenous rights and traditional knowledge through legislation like the Finnmark Act and projects aimed at preserving Sami heritage, while also contributing to international environmental efforts, notably through the Climate and Forest Project to combat deforestation in developing countries.
Norway has several biodiversity plans in place to protect and preserve its unique flora and fauna species. One of the main plans is the Norwegian Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to safeguard and restore biodiversity in Norway. This plan includes measures to protect endangered species, promote sustainable land use and resource management, and increase public awareness of biodiversity conservation. Norway is also committed to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and has set targets to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2030.
Future Trends
Additionally, the country is working on measures to combat climate change, which is a major threat to biodiversity. Norway’s efforts include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and implementing sustainable forest management practices. Overall, Norway is taking significant steps to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development for future generations.
Biodiversity
Norway’s biodiversity is richly varied, reflecting its extensive and diverse landscapes that include dramatic fjords, vast forests, rugged mountains, and a lengthy coastline. The country’s unique geography, spanning from the temperate south to the Arctic north, supports a wide range of ecosystems. Norway’s coastal areas and fjords are home to numerous marine species, including whales, seals, and various fish like cod and herring. The Arctic regions, particularly the Svalbard archipelago, host polar bears, Arctic foxes, and large seabird colonies, making them critical for Arctic biodiversity.Inland, Norway’s forests, which cover about one-third of the country, are dominated by coniferous trees such as pine and spruce, with significant pockets of deciduous trees like birch and oak. These forests are habitats for wildlife such as moose, reindeer, lynx, and a variety of bird species, including the capercaillie and the great grey owl. The mountainous regions, including the Scandinavian Mountains, support specialized flora and fauna adapted to high-altitude conditions. Species like the mountain hare, ptarmigan, and Arctic char thrive in these areas. Norway’s numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands are crucial for freshwater biodiversity, providing habitats for species like the Eurasian beaver, otters, and a diverse array of fish and amphibians.
In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Norway only):
| Species (World rank) |
Threatened | % Threatened | Endemic | % Endemic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammals | 83 (#137) | 8 | 9.6% | ||
| Birds | 256 (#150) | 11 | 4.3% | ||
| Reptiles | 9 (#186) | ||||
| Amphibians | 6 (#153) | ||||
| Fishes | 194 (#151) | 29 | 9.9% | 1 | 0.3% |
| Plants | 4,153 (#85) | 10 | 0.2% | 792 | 19.1% |
mammals
Muskox
A big, furry animal that looks like a mix of a cow and a sheep, living in one of the coldest places on Earth
Walrus
Tusked marine mammals heralding climate emergency!
Reindeer/Caribou
Males drop their antlers before Christmas, but females keep their antlers until spring
birds
Snowy owl
There is more to this species than its majestic coat of thick white feathers and piercing yellow eyes
Wilsons storm petrel
This species is found in all world oceans except the north Pacific Ocean
Atlantic puffin
This incredible bird can hold up to 30 fish in its beak at once
reptiles
European adder
A venomous snake native to Britain and found all across Europe
Viviparous lizard
One of the few reptiles that can not only lay eggs but also give birth to live young
Slow worm
You might mistake them for snakes, but they are merely legless lizards
amphibians
Common frog
It is one of the most widespread and familiar amphibians in Europe
Northern crested newt
Can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their heart and eyes
Moor frog
Male undergo a striking transformation during a short breeding window, displaying a vibrant blue color
National Animals
Moose
They are so tall, that they prefer to feed on higher shrubs and grass, as lowering their head to the ground can be difficult!
White-throated dipper
Can walk along the riverbed using its wings to stabilize itself against the current
Norway
The Arctic sky comes alive with a celestial ballet of light—the aurora borealis
Score:
59.53 100
