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Facts Plant and animal life: The Lower Dalälven River runs along a distinct biological boundary between Norrland and the southern part of Sweden. Limes Norrlandicus ("the Norrland boundary") is a classic concept whose relevance is demonstrated by the area's diverse blend of natural features from both northern and southern Sweden. This can be seen very clearly at Färnebofjärden. Most of the species and habitats that are typical of the Lower Dalälven are found here. There is a rich diversity of animal species. The birdlife, in particular, appears to have few parallels in Sweden with regard to the mixture of woodland and wetland species from both north and south. Over one hundred bird species nest here regularly, and there are unusually large populations of several red-listed (i.e. endangered) species. All seven species of Swedish woodpecker nest in the area, as do several species of owl. Among the latter is the Ural owl, the 20-25 pairs of which probably comprise the largest local population in the country. In addition, there are large populations of woodland game birds, especially black grouse, capercaillie and hazelhen. Among the wetland and water birds present are the crane, Arctic loon, golden plover, white-tailed eagle and osprey. With some 15-20 pairs in the area, the osprey is one of the most populous of these species. Another valuable feature of Färnebofjärden from the standpoint of ornithology is its function as a resting place. Every year, as many as 1000 whooper swans gather on the first ice-free patches of water, along with other species. Of the mammals, there are large populations of elk (moose), roe deer, mountain hare and pine marten. Lynxes are frequently present, and there is probably a small population of otters, as well. During the late 1980s, beavers have also established themselves in the area. The diversity of forest ecosystems, especially those containing older broad-leaved woods with dead and dying trees provide habitats for a number of rare and endangered insect species. Included among the many wood insects are four species of beetle that are acutely endangered in Sweden: Cucujus cinnaberinus, Ceruchus chrysomelinus, Tragosuma detsarium and Acanthacinus griseus. There are also many other species that are regarded as threatened. All told, some sixty different red-listed insect species have been observed here. In addition, there are about sixty red-listed species of lichen and fungus. The former include wolf lichen, treeflute, Evernia divaricata, Bryoria nadvorikiana, and the jelly lichens Collema furfuraceum and Collema nigrescens. The only known viable population in Sweden of the jellyskin lichen Leptogium rivulare grows along the Lower Dalälven, including Färnebofjärden. The fungi include Tyromyces fissilis, Phlebia centrifuga, Skeletocutis tschulymica and Junghuhnia collabens. Färnebofjärden also has diverse and abundant fish stocks, with some twenty different species. Of great interest for recreational fishing are the grayling and trout of the streams and rapids, and the pike, perch and pike-perch of the broader waters. See "Contact us" for links to further information on fish. Read more about: Travel tips Sightseeing attractions Landscape Plant and animal life Outdoor recreation Sweden's national parks General information |
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