Wetlands in decline

Wetland rescue

The first wetland reserve in Rogaland was established in the 1970s. And not before time! Destructive human intervention had been on the increase. Since then, many areas have been protected, and the Jæren wetlands have now achieved international conservation status. Key measures have been taken to protect endangered species.

Two examples are the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and the marsh helliborine (Epipactis palustris). In the past, the black-headed gull nested all over Jæren, but is now classified as critically endangered (CR). To prevent its extinction, we have to restore its nesting sites and remove predators such as foxes and mink. The marsh helliborine grows in extremely rich fen habitats in lowland settings and has declined due to ditching and cultivation. It is classified as endangered (EN).

Current threats

Today, our wetlands are threatened by housing and business development, roads and power infrastructure. Building causes wetlands to be fragmented. The specialist species that live there become isolated and in danger of dying out. Agricultural pollution is also a threat because nutrient run-off promotes algal growth and overgrown lakes. Another problem is invasive species that outcompete native plants.

What can we do?

Most wetland sites in Rogaland are not protected. To protect these important habitats we should establish more reserves and restore degraded sites, such as by clearing overgrown peatlands and raising water levels. Wider vegetated field margins and the introduction of ponds and lakes would also be a great help. Invasive species that threaten native wildlife, such as mink and Himalayan balsam, must be combated.