The research programme of deficiently known and threatened forest species 2009-2016 (PUTTE II) aimed to fill in the knowledge gaps that have come increasingly apparent in the assessments of threatened species during the last few decades in Finland.
PUTTE mascot (Geocoris ater) © Seppo Leinonen
Although Finland has one of the best known flora and fauna in the world, yet approximately half of our species are not included in the evaluation processes of threatened species due to lack of information. Also, nature conservation management plans are solely made on the basis on well known species and their environmental requirements.
The aim of PUTTE programme was to increase scientifically high quality taxonomic research to support forest conservation and assessments of threatened species. Another significant aim was to transfer taxonomic knowledge to young researchers as many of the top specialists of various species groups are retiring or have retired already.
Yet another aim was to produce high quality identification books to be consumed both in the hands of environmental administration as well as new nature enthusiasts to attract attention to new groups or organisms. Further, the programme aimed to make species information more easily available for those working with forest management and other land use planning.
The Ministry of the Environment financed the programme annually with about 400 000 euros.
PUTTE reveals secrets of the forests
Corizus hyoscyami © Teemu Rintala
Research programme of deficiently known and threatened forest species (PUTTE) was a part of a larger Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland, METSO 2008-2025. During the third stage of the research programme eight one-to-three-year projects were funded. The projects studied deficiently known forest species groups, their distribution, abundance and environmental requirements. Species groups involved e.g. Hymenoptera, poorly known fungi and the critically endangered Baton Blue butterfly.
Special emphasis laid on the poorly known species groups living in habitats of particular biodiversity value, such as herb-rich forests and forests with plenty of decaying wood.
Further information:
Environment Counsellor Mikko Kuusinen, Ministry of the Environment,
Tel. +358 50 345 0582,
firstname.surname@ym.fi