Torronsuo National Park

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Torronsuo National Park, located in southern Finland, is known for its vast raised bogs, which provide a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems support numerous mammals and other species that have adapted to the wetland environment.

Eurasian Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as the moose, the Eurasian elk is the largest land mammal in Finland. These majestic animals roam the park’s forests and wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A smaller deer species, the European roe deer is commonly found at the forest edges surrounding the bogs. They are known for their agility and are often spotted at dawn or dusk.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
An adaptable predator, the red fox thrives in the park’s mixed terrain. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects, and is often seen darting across open fields in search of food.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
A non-native species in Finland, the raccoon dog has established a presence in Torronsuo. These nocturnal animals resemble small foxes and primarily feed on rodents, amphibians, and berries.

European Badger (Meles meles)
Known for its distinctive black-and-white face, the European badger is a burrowing mammal that digs extensive tunnel systems beneath the forest floor. They are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on earthworms, roots, and small animals.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
Once nearly extinct in Finland, the Eurasian beaver has made a comeback and can be found in waterways near the park. These expert dam builders help shape the landscape by creating ponds and wetlands.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
A semi-aquatic mammal, the European otter thrives in the park’s rivers and streams. It is an excellent swimmer and primarily feeds on fish and amphibians.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
Adapted to cold climates, the mountain hare changes its fur color with the seasons, turning white in winter for camouflage against the snow. They are common in the park’s meadows and forests.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
While rarely seen, brown bears do occasionally wander into the park from larger forested areas. These powerful animals are omnivores, feeding on berries, insects, and small mammals.

Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world, the least weasel is a skilled hunter that preys on voles and other small rodents. It is active year-round and is often seen darting through the undergrowth.

Birds

Torronsuo National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a haven for many wetland and forest-dwelling bird species. The open bogs and surrounding woodlands provide excellent breeding and feeding grounds for migratory and resident birds alike.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
One of the most iconic birds of the park, the common crane is known for its loud, trumpeting calls and graceful courtship dances. These large birds breed in the wetland areas of the park before migrating south in autumn.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large forest grouse, the capercaillie is famous for its elaborate mating displays in spring. Males are dark-feathered with a fan-shaped tail, while females have a more camouflaged brown plumage.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a top predator in the park. It hunts at night, preying on mammals, birds, and amphibians.

Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)
Recognizable by the males’ striking black plumage and lyre-shaped tails, black grouse perform impressive lekking displays in early spring. They prefer forest edges and open bogs.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A powerful bird of prey, the northern goshawk is a skilled hunter that preys on birds and small mammals. It is secretive and often spotted gliding through dense forests.

Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
A member of the woodpecker family, the Eurasian wryneck is named for its ability to twist its head in unusual ways. It mimics snake movements to ward off predators and feeds primarily on ants.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan is a majestic waterfowl species with a bright yellow bill and elegant white feathers. They breed in the park’s wetlands before migrating to warmer regions.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Known as the “butcher bird,” the great grey shrike impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption. It primarily hunts small rodents and insects.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
This ground-dwelling bird changes its plumage from brown in summer to white in winter for better camouflage. It is well adapted to the park’s boggy and forested landscapes.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A fish-eating raptor, the osprey can often be seen soaring over water before diving to catch its prey. These migratory birds return to Finland in spring to breed.

Torronsuo National Park offers a diverse and thriving habitat for many species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.