Biodiversity at Kevo
Rock cliffs, which are nearly snow-free in the winter, warm quickly in the sun and are fertilised by runoff water and birds, are a unique growing environment. Fell snowbeds, which do not melt until late into the summer, and nutrient-rich eightpetal mountain-avens heaths also have very unique plant species.
A sanctuary for endangered species and rare nature
The flora and fauna found in the canyon is far richer than the surrounding fell plain. Indeed, Kevo is one of the more important habitats for many rare northern species.
There are an exceptionally large number of threatened plant species in the canyon that have few growing sites in Finland. For example, fragrant wood fern (Dryopteris fragrans), true narrowleaf hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum ssp. nigrescens), Arctic arnica (Arnica angustifolia) and deflexed bur forget-me-not (Lappula deflexa) thrive on cliffs and under crags. Kevo is also the site of Finland's northernmost marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus). The only instances of rufous beard-moss (Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens), orthotrichum moss (Orthotrichum laevigatum J.E.Zetterst.) and ja bloom moss (Schistidium subjulaceum) in Finland are also found at Kevo.
Kevo is an important place for many bird species, and a large percentage of the nesting population in Finland can be found here. Many birds of prey nest in the canyon, such as the rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus) and merlin (Falco columbarius). Commonly found waterfowl in the canyon are the merganser and common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).
The white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) also thrives in the running waters of Kevo. Lakes and ponds are also prime habitats for such species as the long-tailed duck, scoter and velvet scoter. Mires are vital to northern bird species, such as the bar-tailed godwit, jacksnipe, broad-billed sandpiper and phalarope.
Common inhabitants of Kevo's pine forests include the brambling and common redstart as well as the grey-headed chickadee or pine grosbeak. The more lush river valley forests are also welcoming to southern species, such as the wood warbler or dunnock (Prunella modularis).
Visitors climbing the fell may encounter the ptarmigan, Eurasian dotterel and, in birch stands at lower elevations, perhaps the common redpoll, willow grouse or bluethroat. One of Kevo's specialities is the ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus), which is Finland's northermost thrush.
Kevo is also home to the wolverine, otter, lynx and brown bear. Count yourself as being very fortunate if you happen to catch a glimpse of the extremely rare Arctic fox. You might even spot a salmon in the Kevojoki River.
The Kevonsuu Meadow
The Kevonsuu field is part of the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve and Metsähallitus maintains it by mowing. The rest of the field is privately owned. The University of Turku Kevo Subarctic Research Institute has been monitoring vegetation in the area.
Some of the meadows in the Strict Nature Reserve contain a wide variety of species, primarily made up of dry and, in some places, fresh hay meadow. The near-threatened lesser meadow-rue (protected) as well as the common moonwort and leathery grapefern grow in the meadow. Other noteworthy species include the Alpine milkvetch, Alpine bistort, harebell, hoary whitlowgrass, wild ryegrass, marsh grass of Parnassus, Alpine cinquefoil, little yellow-rattle, globeflower and garden speedwell. There may also be sweetgrass in the meadow.