The Increasing Complexity of Moose Population Management Goals in Finland
Vesa Ruusila
Metsähallitus (Forststyrelsen), Helsinki, Finland
Moose is the most important game species in Finland, having a long tradition of intensive management and research. Compared to the situation a few decades ago, when interests dominating moose management were focused on harvest numbers and damage levels, current management decision making considers more views and variables. Moose management in Finland has evolved into a multifaceted process involving ecological, economic, and social considerations with various stakeholders. Concurrently, this change increases demands for research and participatory approaches to support goal setting and different management actions.
From a forestry perspective, moose wintertime browsing may cause marked damage to young forests, particularly pine and birch stands. Although moose damage is compensated by the government for private forest owners, there is a constant demand for plans aimed at reducing moose density in many areas.
Biodiversity concerns have also started to influence population management strategies. Moose are critical prey for large predators, particularly wolves. Wolf conservation efforts require a sufficiently large moose population to sustain predator-prey relationships, complicating management decisions in regions where both wolves and hunting interests exist concurrently with intensive forestry. On the other hand, abundant moose densities can also degrade vegetation, especially species preferred by moose. Also the role of other deer, like white-tailed deer as an alien species and wild forest reindeer, listed as ‘near threatened’, need to be considered in management plans.
Moose hunting is deeply rooted in Finnish rural traditions, providing recreational and economic value. Hunters advocate for sustainable but ample moose populations to ensure viable hunting opportunities and maintain rural hunting associations, which serve as vital social structures in sparsely populated areas. Further, Finnish game administration is largely based on voluntary work, where active hunting associations play a crucial role.
In this presentation, I aim to describe how moose management in Finland reflects a complex interplay of ecological sustainability, economic viability, and social priorities. As environmental conditions and stakeholder interests evolve, regulatory approaches will need to remain adaptive, ensuring long-term ecological stability while addressing diverse societal concerns.