# The Nature of the Taiga

**A comprehensive insight into the flora and fauna around Burträsk**

Deep in the forests of Burträsk roam the kings of the Nordic wilderness. The majestic moose, the shy brown bear, the graceful lynx, the resilient wolverine, and the rare wolf make up Sweden's *Big Five*. Often, only tracks in the damp moss or freshly fallen snow reveal their presence. An encounter with these wild inhabitants is an unforgettable experience that commands the deepest respect for nature. In the silence of dusk, you can feel the true wildness of Lapland.

The birdlife along the rivers and waters of Västerbotten is a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. Rare species nest along the natural riverbanks and shorelines, filling the short summer nights with their songs. Birds of prey like the White-tailed Eagle circle majestically under the endless sky, while Whooper Swans announce spring with poignant calls. In autumn, when the major bird migration begins, the rivercourses and floodplains become essential stopover sites for thousands of migratory birds on their journey south.

Beneath the dark, clear surface of Burträsket lies a hidden wealth. Strong pikes lurk in the reeds, while schools of perch and vendace roam the cool water in search of food. The pristine rivers and lakes of the region are a mecca for anglers and provide a habitat for magnificent salmonids and trout. In winter, when the ice becomes meters thick, the fish retreat to deeper, warmer layers. An intact ecosystem ensures that this teeming underwater garden is preserved to this day.

The most important species are the pike and the perch, which are found in almost all waters. A specialty of the region is the strong population of zander in Lake Burträsket. In the flowing waters like the Sikån and Risån, fly fishers find their luck hunting for trout and grayling. Larger rivers like the nearby Vindelälven are also known for their migrations of salmon. In winter, anglers specifically target the tasty burbot or the char.

The endless coniferous forests and vast wetlands around Burträsk form the green heart of northern Sweden. Here, tough pines and spruces grow side by side with an impressive variety of berries and mosses, defying the harsh winter conditions. When the short but intense summer arrives, the taiga transforms into a vibrant sea of colors. The dense undergrowth smells of wild rosemary and provides shelter and food for countless animals. If you are quiet enough, you can feel the whispers of the ancient woods.

The forest floor is a carpet of mosses and lichens that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Particularly important are the reindeer lichens (Cladonia rangiferina), which are the main food source for reindeer in winter, and the peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.), which store huge amounts of water in wetlands. In summer, the ubiquitous blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) attract not only animals but also people. With a bit of luck, one can also discover rare beauties like the protected lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus).

Sometimes it is the smallest inhabitants that leave the biggest impression in the Lappish nature. Mosquitoes, black flies (Knott), horseflies, wood ants, and tiny arachnids form an army of survival artists that becomes unmistakable in summer. Even though they are often perceived as pests by humans, they are an indispensable foundation of the food chain. Without this buzzing and crawling army, there would be no singing birds and no rich fishing grounds. Those who learn to accommodate them quickly recognize their crucial role in the taiga.

This flying armada mainly consists of four groups: the ubiquitous mosquitoes (Culicidae), the small but painfully biting black flies (Simuliidae), the large and fast horseflies (Tabanidae), and the tiny, insidious biting midges (Ceratopogonidae). On the ground, the wood ant (Formicidae) completes this group as an important ecosystem engineer.

## The Fauna Part 4: The Hidden Life of Amphibians

## The Fauna Part 1: Sweden's "Big Five"

## Feathered Diversity: The Birds along the Rivers of Västerbotten

## The Fauna Part 2: The Inhabitants of the Waters

## The Flora of the Taiga: Trees, Berries, and Flowers

## The Fauna Part 3: Lapland's "Little Five"

## FAQs

- **Which snake species exist in northern Sweden?**: There are only two species: the non-venomous grass snake and the venomous common adder (Huggorm). In the northern latitudes, the adder is the most commonly encountered snake.
- **Are reptiles and amphibians protected in Sweden?**: Yes, all reptile and amphibian species are strictly protected by law in Sweden. It is forbidden to catch or disturb them, or to destroy their eggs and habitats.
- **What does an adder eat?**: The adder feeds mainly on small rodents like mice and voles. Sometimes it also preys on frogs or lizards.
- **Why do male frogs call so loudly in spring?**: The croaking of the males serves to attract females for mating and simultaneously to mark their territory against other males. In some species, like the moor frog, the males also turn blue during mating season.
- **Is an adder bite fatal to humans?**: For healthy adults, the bite is painful and causes swelling, but it is rarely life-threatening. You should still see a doctor immediately. Dogs and small children are at higher risk.
- **How can I distinguish an adder from a grass snake?**: Adders have a distinctive zigzag pattern on their back and vertical pupils. Grass snakes have round pupils and two prominent yellowish or white spots on the neck.
- **How do frogs hibernate in the taiga?**: Some frog species, like the common frog, hibernate in the mud at the bottom of oxygen-rich lakes and streams. Others seek out frost-free burrows on land to endure the cold.
- **Do Swedish frogs produce their own *antifreeze*?**: Yes, some species like the moor frog accumulate glucose in their blood during winter dormancy. This lowers the freezing point of their body fluids and protects the cells from freezing to death.
- **When do amphibians spawn in Lapland?**: The spawning season begins immediately after the snowmelt, usually in May. The animals are in a hurry, as the short summer provides just enough time for the tadpoles to develop.
- **Are there lizards this far north?**: Yes, the viviparous lizard (Skogsödla) is found here. It is excellently adapted to the cold climate and is one of the most northerly distributed reptiles in the world.
- **Do viviparous lizards lay eggs?**: Interestingly, the viviparous lizard is often ovoviviparous in cool regions. This means it incubates the eggs inside its own body and gives birth to live young, which is more advantageous in this climate.
- **Where are you most likely to find the animals in spring?**: Reptiles are often seen sunbathing on dark rocks or deadwood in the morning. During mating season, amphibians are found in or near shallow, sunlit ponds.
- **Which animals belong to the *Big Five* in Sweden?**: Sweden's *Big Five* include the moose, brown bear, wolf, lynx, and wolverine. They represent the most impressive and sought-after wildlife for nature observers in the region.
- **Do brown bears truly hibernate?**: Brown bears go into a state of winter dormancy. Their body temperature drops only slightly, but they do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate for months, living off their fat reserves instead.
- **Are there guided tours to see the Big Five?**: Yes, specialized tour operators offer so-called *safaris*, especially for moose, and in some areas, bear observations from safe hides. For wolves and lynxes, tracking tours are more common.
- **How does the wolverine mark its territory?**: The wolverine marks its vast territory with a strong-smelling secretion from its anal glands, as well as with urine and feces on prominent rocks, tree stumps, or snow mounds.
- **What are the chances of encountering a wild brown bear?**: The chances are extremely low. Brown bears are very shy and have excellent senses; they usually smell and hear humans long in advance and give them a wide berth.
- **What should I do if I do encounter a bear?**: Stay calm and do not run away. Make yourself noticed by speaking calmly, raise your arms to appear larger, and slowly back away without turning your back on the bear.
- **Are moose dangerous to hikers?**: Usually, moose flee from humans. However, mother animals (cows) with calves in spring, or moose during the autumn rutting season, can be dangerous. Always keep a safe distance.
- **When is the best time of day to spot moose?**: The best chances for moose sightings are at dawn and dusk. At these times, they often emerge from the dense forest and graze in clearings or at forest edges.
- **Are there wolves in the Burträsk region?**: Although wolves occur in northern Sweden, they are extremely rare and move stealthily. Due to conflicts with reindeer herding, the population in the northernmost regions is very low.
- **What does a wolverine eat?**: The wolverine is primarily a scavenger that benefits from the kills of other predators. However, in winter, it also hunts prey itself, such as small reindeer, hares, or rodents, when they are hindered by deep snow.
- **How can you find lynxes in the wild?**: Lynx sightings are extremely rare, as the cats are nocturnal and perfectly camouflaged. The best method to confirm their presence is by looking for their round paw prints in the winter snow.
- **Why are moose so susceptible to traffic accidents?**: Moose are active at dusk and often cross roads abruptly to reach new feeding grounds. Their dark coat color makes them hard to spot in headlights, and they are very ponderous.
- **Which bird species are particularly common at Burträsket?**: Along the waters, you often see mallards, common goldeneyes, black-throated divers, and various gull species. Tits, chaffinches, woodpeckers, and the striking Siberian jay dominate the forests.
- **Why do males often have more colorful plumage?**: The bright breeding plumage of males serves to attract females during courtship. The females, on the other hand, are usually inconspicuously colored to remain well-camouflaged on the nest while incubating.
- **Which bird makes such an eerie call at night?**: Often it is the black-throated diver, whose yodeling, mournful calls echo over the quiet lakes and embody the wild, lonely atmosphere of the North for many people.
- **How do resident birds survive the extreme cold in winter?**: They fluff up their feathers to create an insulating layer of air and eat calorie-rich food like seeds and berries. Some birds even let themselves be snowed in at night to stay warm.
- **What is Sweden's national bird?**: The blackbird (Koltrast) was chosen as Sweden's national bird. Its melodic song is considered by many Swedes to be the ultimate sign that spring has finally arrived.
- **Can you spot eagles around Burträsk?**: Yes, both the golden eagle and the white-tailed eagle can be seen with a bit of luck. The white-tailed eagle mostly stays near large lakes to hunt for fish.
- **Where does the German name *Unglückshäher* (Siberian jay) come from?**: The name of the Lavskrike (Unglückshäher / bird of misfortune) stems from old superstition. These tame birds often followed loggers; some believed that if the bird left, the logger was in danger of an accident.
- **When is the best time for bird watching?**: Late spring (May and June) is ideal. By this time, the migratory birds have returned, the males sing loudly to defend territories, and the breeding season begins.
- **Are the swans in northern Sweden mute swans?**: No, whooper swans predominantly breed in northern Sweden. They are easily recognized by their straight, yellow-and-black beaks and their loud, trumpet-like calls during flight.
- **What owl species live in the Lappish taiga?**: The region is home to fascinating species such as the great grey owl, the Ural owl, and the northern hawk-owl. The latter is unusually active during the day and hunts in bright sunlight.
- **Where do the migratory birds go in winter?**: Many insect-eating birds migrate to southern Europe or even as far as Africa (south of the Sahara). Waterfowl and waders often winter on the ice-free coasts of Western and Central Europe.
- **Are there special observation towers at Burträsket?**: Yes, there are designated bird observation towers (Fågeltorn) around many lakes in Västerbotten. They offer an elevated view over the reeds and minimize disturbance to breeding birds.
- **Which fish species are mainly found in Lake Burträsket?**: The most common species are pike, European perch, burbot, as well as various whitefish like roach and vendace. Trout can also be found in the inflowing streams.
- **What equipment do I need for spin fishing for pike?**: A sturdy spinning rod, a reel with braided line, and a bite-resistant steel or fluorocarbon leader are recommended. Large soft plastics, spoons, and crankbaits make good lures.
- **Is fishing suitable for children in Burträsk?**: Absolutely! Float fishing for small perch or roach from the pier with a simple bobber is an entertaining experience and a great introduction to nature for children.
- **Do fish hide at the bottom in winter?**: Yes, the water at the bottom of the lakes remains at a constant 4 degrees Celsius in winter, which is warmer than the ice layer at the surface. Therefore, most fish stay deep to conserve energy.
- **Do I need a fishing license (Fiskekort) to fish in Burträsket?**: Yes, a local fishing license (Fiskekort) is required for almost all inland waters in Sweden. It can often be purchased online, at gas stations, or at local tourist information centers.
- **When is the best season for fishing?**: Late spring and early summer are excellent as the water warms up. Autumn is fantastic for hunting trophy pikes as they fatten up for winter.
- **What is *ice fishing* and how does it work?**: In ice fishing, you drill a hole in the frozen water with an ice auger. You then fish for perch and burbot using a short specialized rod (Pimpelspö) and bait like maggots.
- **Is the water in Burträsket clean enough to eat the fish?**: Yes, the water quality in northern Sweden is generally excellent. Self-caught fish from Burträsket can be safely consumed and is considered a real delicacy.
- **What is the largest fish that can be caught here?**: The pike (Gädda) is the undisputed top predator in the lake. Specimens over a meter long and weighing more than 10 kilograms are regularly reported.
- **How do you catch a burbot?**: The burbot, also known as the freshwater cod, is extremely cold-loving and nocturnal. It is best caught in the dark winter months by ice fishing deep at the bottom.
- **Are there restrictions on fishing?**: Yes, there are minimum sizes, catch limits, and closed seasons for certain species. Often, *catch and release* also applies to large predatory fish to secure the population.
- **What are vendace (Siklöja) and why are they famous?**: Small vendace are schooling fish in the region. They are primarily known for their roe, the *Kalix Löjrom*, which is harvested north of Burträsk and is an exclusive Swedish specialty.
- **Which tree species dominate the forests around Burträsk?**: The forests mainly consist of Scots pines and Norway spruces. Along lake shores and in lighter areas, you can also often find downy and silver birches, which shape the typical landscape of Lapland.
- **Why are there so many wetlands in northern Sweden?**: The flat topography, combined with often impermeable rock layers and slow evaporation in the cool climate, favors the formation of bogs. Much of the meltwater in spring often remains on the surface.
- **When do the leaves of deciduous trees turn colorful in autumn?**: The so-called *Ruska* period, during which the leaves of birches and bushes turn intense yellow, orange, and red, usually begins in Burträsk from mid to late September. It is one of the most beautiful times for hiking.
- **Are reindeer wild animals, or do they belong to someone?**: In Sweden, all reindeer are semi-domesticated and have an owner, mostly members of the indigenous Sami people. However, they roam freely through nature and forage for their own food.
- **When is the best time to pick berries in northern Sweden?**: The berry season usually starts in late July with the sought-after cloudberry (Hjortron). In August and September, blueberries and lingonberries follow, often growing in huge carpets in the forests.
- **What is the cloudberry and why is it so special?**: The cloudberry, also known as the *Gold of the North*, grows exclusively on moist bog soils. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and, due to its unique, slightly tart taste, a true and rare delicacy.
- **How do plants survive the long and cold winter?**: Many plants go into a kind of hibernation by storing nutrients in their roots. Additionally, the thick snow cover acts as an insulating layer, protecting the ground from freezing solid.
- **Are there edible mushrooms in the forests of Lapland?**: Yes, late summer and autumn are excellent for mushroom picking. Porcini, chanterelles, and various types of brittlegills are particularly widespread and very popular among foragers.
- **Can I simply pick whatever I want in the Swedish forest?**: Thanks to the Swedish *Allemansrätten* (Right of Public Access), you may forage wild berries and mushrooms for personal use. However, you must ensure not to damage nature or pick any protected species.
- **What role do mosses and lichens play in the ecosystem?**: Mosses store enormous amounts of water and help regulate the forest's moisture balance. Lichens, especially reindeer lichen, are also an essential food source for reindeer in the winter taiga.
- **What does *taiga* mean?**: The taiga, or boreal coniferous forest, is the northernmost forest belt on Earth. It is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers, and is home to specially adapted conifers and mosses.
- **Are there poisonous plants to look out for?**: Yes, as everywhere, there are poisonous plants here too, such as marsh labrador tea or various toxic berries like herb-paris. When foraging, you should only pick and eat what you can clearly identify.
- **What are the *Little Five* of Lapland?**: An unofficial, tongue-in-cheek term for the omnipresent small inhabitants: mosquitoes, biting midges (Knott), horseflies (Broms), black flies, and the large red wood ants.
- **Do home remedies like garlic help against Swedish mosquitoes?**: This is not scientifically proven. Local experts tend to swear by smoke from campfires and the tried-and-true Swedish insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET.
- **What particularly attracts horseflies (Broms)?**: Horseflies react strongly to movement, body heat, carbon dioxide, and dark, sweaty surfaces. They are often very bothersome on hot days near water and livestock.
- **How do I best treat mosquito bites?**: Do not scratch under any circumstances, as this promotes inflammation. It helps to cool the bite immediately, use heat pens, or apply a soothing, anti-allergic ointment from the pharmacy.
- **When is the mosquito season worst in northern Sweden?**: The highest mosquito density usually occurs from late June to early August. After the first frosty nights in late summer, their numbers drop rapidly.
- **How can I best protect myself against insect bites?**: The best combination is long-sleeved, densely woven clothing in light colors. Additionally, Swedish mosquito repellents (like *Mygga*) on the skin and perhaps a head net in swampy areas can help.
- **Are mosquitoes in Sweden dangerous?**: No, Swedish mosquitoes do not transmit dangerous diseases like malaria. Their bites itch intensely and can swell, but they are generally completely harmless.
- **What are *Knott* and why are they annoying?**: Knott are biting midges, tiny black flies (often only 1-2 mm in size). They don't sting but bite small wounds into the skin, which is painful and can itch extremely.
- **Why are there so many insects in northern Sweden?**: The many stagnant waters, swamps, and high humidity combined with the long, sunny summer days provide ideal, undisturbed breeding conditions for countless insect larvae.
- **What is the ecological benefit of mosquitoes?**: Mosquitoes and their larvae are the absolute foundation of the food chain. They serve as a primary food source for fish, birds, bats, and other insects. Without them, the ecosystem would collapse.
- **Can wood ants bite?**: Yes, the large red wood ants can bite noticeably with their pincers and spray formic acid into the wound as a defense. They build massive, meter-high needle mounds in the forest.
- **Are there ticks in the area around Burträsk?**: Ticks were rare in northern Sweden for a long time, but are gradually spreading further north due to milder winters. After walking through tall grass, you should check yourself to be safe.


## Weitere Informationen

- To the mammal lexicon
- To the lexicon of flora & plants
- To the insect lexicon