In North-Norway we still have populations of many animal species that are threatened or extinct in other parts of the world. Here we will show some examples on this.
With a wing span up to 2.6 meters, the White-tailed Eagle is the biggest and maybe most majestic bird in Norwegian nature. In old times the White-tailed Eagle occurred throughout the whole of Europe, but heavy persecution and pollution diminished the populations heavily. More than half of Europe's population is now breeding in Norway. By 2007, approximately 3400-4000 pairs breed in Norway, of which approximately 3/4 in North-Norway. In recent years has White-tailed Eagle chicks been exported to Scotland in order to establish a new population after the former was exterminated.
While most migrant birds leave North-Norway during winter to seek out warmer areas, there are also some birds that arrive to spend the winter here. These are birds that breed in areas that during winter are even harsher and colder, and being totally covered with snow and ice. An example is the Steller's Eider that winters mainly in the Varanger Fjord. About one third of the European wintering population is found there. Some winters flocks can also be seen along the coast in Troms County.
The otter was a common animal in lakes and rivers throughout Europe until the beginning of the last century. In South-Norway and the rest of Europe it has almost vanished. This is due to destruction of habitats and pollution. In North-Norway the otter is still numerous
Norway's only permanent brown bear population occurs in the Pasvik Valley in Finnmark. This population is shared with Finland and Russia.
