Palsa mires
Description (English)
Mire complexes in the northern boreal, orohemiarctic and alpine regions, where the climate is slightly continental and the mean annual temperature is below -1°. The mires are mainly minerotrophic, excluding the palsas, which are peat mounds with sporadic permafrost. The palsas are usually 2-4 metres high, but up to 7 metres high palsas have been found in Finland and Sweden.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 7320) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 30 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Flowering Plants
Betula nana
Flowering Plants
Carex rotundata
Flowering Plants
Carex saxatilis
Flowering Plants
Eriophorum russeolum
Flowering Plants
Ledum palustre
Flowering Plants
Vaccinium microcarpum
Mosses & Liverworts
Dicranum elongatum
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Betula nana | Flowering Plants | |
| Carex rotundata | Flowering Plants | |
| Carex saxatilis | Flowering Plants | |
| Eriophorum russeolum | Flowering Plants | |
| Ledum palustre | Flowering Plants | |
| Vaccinium microcarpum | Flowering Plants | |
| Dicranum elongatum | Mosses & Liverworts |
Natura 2000 sites
Protected in the following Natura 2000 sites
| Sitecode | Country | Site name | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| FI1300101 | Finland | Pallas-Ounastunturi | Map |
| FI1300103 | Finland | PÖYRISJÄRVEN ERÄMAA | Map |
| FI1300105 | Finland | KÄSIVARREN ERÄMAA | Map |
| FI1300107 | Finland | JIETANASVUOMA | Map |
| FI1300108 | Finland | IITON PALSASUOT | Map |
| FI1300118 | Finland | TARVANTOVAARA | Map |
| FI1300201 | Finland | LEMMENJOEN KANSALLISPUISTO | Map |
| FI1300202 | Finland | MUOTKATUNTURIN ERÄMAA | Map |
| FI1300206 | Finland | HANHIJÄNKÄ-PIERKIVAARANJÄNKÄ | Map |
| FI1300207 | Finland | PIERAN MARIN JÄNKÄ | Map |
| FI1302001 | Finland | Kevo | Map |
| FI1302002 | Finland | KALDOAIVIN ERÄMAA | Map |
| FI1302003 | Finland | Paistunturin erämaa | Map |
| LV0303500 | Latvia | Pape | Map |
| SE0820056 | Sweden | Laisdalens fjällurskog | Map |
| SE0820123 | Sweden | Hornavan-Sädvajaure fjällurskog | Map |
| SE0820185 | Sweden | Sarek | Map |
| SE0820201 | Sweden | Padjelanta | Map |
| SE0820202 | Sweden | Stora Sjöfallet | Map |
| SE0820204 | Sweden | Kaitum fjällurskog | Map |
| SE0820216 | Sweden | Sjaunja | Map |
| SE0820234 | Sweden | Stordalen | Map |
| SE0820243 | Sweden | Rautas | Map |
| SE0820261 | Sweden | Abisko | Map |
| SE0820275 | Sweden | Alajaure | Map |
| SE0820282 | Sweden | Torneträsk-Soppero fjällurskog | Map |
| SE0820293 | Sweden | Norra Torneträsk | Map |
| SE0820619 | Sweden | Tavvavuoma | Map |
| SE0820620 | Sweden | Pältsa | Map |
| SE0820623 | Sweden | Nissuntjårro | Map |
