Pål Thorvaldsen
Research Scientist
(+47) 406 21 869
pal.thorvaldsen@nibio.no
Place
Trondheim
Visiting address
Klæbuveien 153, bygg C 1.etasje, 7031 Trondheim
Abstract
The 2025 update of the Norwegian Red List shows that coastal heathlands remain threatened. Key ongoing threats include abandonment of traditional land use and development of the areas. Recently compiled statistics from habitat mapping provide insights into the ecological condition of the heathlands. The data reveal that more than half of the remaining coastal heathland areas lack active management, putting them at risk of encroachment in the coming years. Moreover, data show that the proportion of areas in the late successional phase is surprisingly low, just over ten percent, despite widespread degradation due to encroachment. This suggests that degraded coastal heathlands are difficult to identify and are likely being misclassified as other habitat types, such as forest. To help field surveyors avoid misidentification, a map illustrating the potential distribution of coastal heathlands in Norway has been developed, along with clear inclusion and exclusion principles. The map extends the previously known northern range of heathlands and reaches south eastward toward heathland areas in Sweden. Norway currently lacks representative monitoring of coastal heathland, as existing programs miss rare habitats. It is therefore a welcome step that the Norwegian Environment Agency now proposes the development of a dedicated monitoring program.
Authors
Even Unsgård Erling Meisingset Inger Maren Rivrud Gunn Randi Fossland Pål Thorvaldsen Vebjørn Veiberg Atle MysterudAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Even Unsgård Erling Meisingset Inger Maren Rivrud Gunn Randi Fossland Pål Thorvaldsen Vebjørn Veiberg Atle MysterudAbstract
No abstract has been registered