Diversity of Ecosystems Recent Trends Pressures

MIRES

Current status

Mires (together with peat fields) occupy 10% of the territory of Latvia. 70% of them are relatively undisturbed by human activities. Raised bogs occupy 42% of the total bog area, transitional mires - 9%, fens - 49%. Specific plant and animal species, including many relicts of the postglacial era, are found only in mires such as Great Fen Sedge (Cladium mariscus), Bog Myrtle ( Myrica gale), Dwarf Birch (Betula nana), Myrtle-like Willow (Salix myrtilloides).

In Latvia Ramsar Convention protects Teici and Pelecare bogs. The Teici Bog (19 587 ha) is the largest raised bog in Latvia and the largest fen area is Peikstulnicas - Salas Fen (7606 ha).