Insect study underway in Kemi, Finland, to enhance local habitats and support rare species

In Kemi, Finland, a comprehensive insect study is underway to map local insect species. The “Villi vyöhyke” association has initiated this research on lands owned by Metsä Group, aiming to identify species present in the area and explore ways to enhance their habitats. Additionally, the study seeks to encourage the spread of rare insects across broader areas. Plant inventories have also been conducted in tandem with the insect research.

Project development manager Jere Nieminen describes the project as unique, noting the significant scale of the initiative, which is comparable to similar efforts in Central Europe. Research has taken place over the summer in urban forests near Kemi, such as Kiikel and Kuivanuoro.

A notable goal of the project is to create habitats for insects, allowing them to travel and populate new areas using their preferred food plants. The project involves traditional ecological restoration techniques and innovative methods, establishing new habitats for endangered species where they previously did not exist.

The study has utilized various research methods, including pitfall traps and traditional netting, leading to surprising discoveries, such as an insect species last observed in the 1950s. Researchers emphasize the ecological significance of the Meri-Lappi region, where many plants are at their northern range limit, including a plant species that is amongst the northernmost in Finland.

The region serves as a unique ecological crossroads, hosting a diverse range of species, some not found elsewhere. The project aims to create a network of pathways for insects to travel, facilitating their movement and potential for expanded habitats over the coming years. While plants in the area are expected to blossom within two years, the response of insect populations remains uncertain, although their mobility offers hope for their dispersion.