Lapland: A Natural History

Poyser Monographs

by Derek Ratcliffe

This is the first book in English to offer a full account of the natural history of Lapland, a broad region that encompasses parts of Russia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The book includes an overview of the region and its flora and fauna, its biogeography, and a history of human impact from the visitation of the first naturalists to the pollution, climate change, and conservation efforts taking place today.
 Separate chapters examine each of the six main types of habitat in boreal forests, forest peatlands, lakes and rivers, coastlands, tundra, and modified/human-influenced areas. Emphasis is placed on characteristic birds and animals and distinctive plant communities or those of particular botanical interest that visitors are likely to encounter. An account of various plant and animal species is provided, along with geographical and ecological information.
 Filling a gap in our knowledge of the wildlife and plant life of this fascinating region, the book presents current and comprehensive information that natural historians as well as travelers will appreciate. Over 250 color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs enhance the volume.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Derek Almey Ratcliffe was one of the most significant English nature conservationists of the 20th century. He was Chief Scientist for the Nature Conservancy Council at the Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, retiring in 1989. Ratcliffe was the author of the 1977 Nature Conservation Review, a document which set out the most important sites for nature conservation in the United Kingdom. He also published various works on nature and conservation.