Research programme of deficiently known and threatened forest species 2009-2016 (PUTTE)

	© Seppo Leinonen

The research programme of deficiently known and threatened forest species 2009-2016 (PUTTE II) aims to fill in the knowledge gaps that have come increasingly apparent in the assessments of threatened species during the last few decades in Finland.

Although Finland has one of the best known flora and fauna in the world, yet two thirds 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 is to increase scientifically high quality taxonomic research to support forest conservation and assessments of threatened species. Another significant aim is 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 is 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. Thus, books on slime molds and indicator fungus species of valuable forest ecosystems have been prepared, and indentification guides on e.g. net-winged insects and planthoppers will be compiled. Further, the programme aims to make species information more easily available for those working with forest management and other land use planning.

The Ministry of the Environment finances the programme annually with about 400 000 euros.

PUTTE II to reveal the secrets of the forests

	Corizus hyoscyami © Teemu Rintala.

Research programme of deficiently known and threatened forest species (PUTTE) is part of a larger Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland, METSO 2008-2016.  During the second stage of the research programme sixteen one-to-three-year projects are funded. The projects will study deficiently known forest species groups, their distribution, abundance and environmental requirements. Species groups involve e.g. slime molds, fungi, lichens, liverworts, insects, bats and the garden dormouse.

In the second stage of PUTTE, special emphasis lies on the poorly known species groups living in habitats of particular biodiversity value, such as chalk cliffs, herb-rich forests, grazed forests and forests with decaying wood.

Further information:

Environment Counsellor Mikko Kuusinen, Ministry of the Environment,
Tel. +358 50 345 0582,
firstname.surname@ymparisto.fi

Project manager Saija Sirkiä, Finnish Environment Institute, Tel. +358 40 6722 751, firstname.surname@ymparisto.fi