Inside the Geopark’s 3000km2, we find a wide variety of different nature types and ecosystems, from the coast and rocky shores, into the forests and up towards the mountains. This varied landscape leads to a large biological biodiversity, among mammals, birds and insects.

 

As mentioned in ‘Where Rock Meets Roots’, different plants thrive in different locations, depending on substrate, weather conditions and nutrients in the soil. These different areas, or ecosystems, create the foundation of the animals within the Geopark, who also have their needs and preferences. These needs create what is called the species ecological niche, meaning the criteria that needs to be filled so that a species can survive and reproduce. This can be food availability and shelter, as well as predation and competition. 

 

The mammals of the Geopark come in many shapes. Cervids, like elk and roe deer, rodents like beavers and mice, and predators like foxes or lynx. The variation in the ecosystems makes space for different types of species. All animals have their role and function in nature, and thus contribute to a healthy environment. The cervids graze and prevent overgrowth, while the predators keep the herbivores in check to prevent overgrazing. 

 

Inside the Geopark, we can also observe a large number of birds, both at sea and land. Just like mammals the birds have different functions and preferences. The osprey hunts fish and lives close to the ocean, building their nests from big twigs in the top of old pine trees. The White-throated Dipper, Norway’s national bird, also hunts fish but the smaller variety like trout fry. It build spherical nests inside cracks in the rocks next to water falls, where it hunts for insects and fish. To take care of the birds, especially during the breeding period, many areas in the Geopark are protected as natural reserves, like in Børsesjø in Skien. 

 

The smaller members of nature are an essential part of our planet, such as the insects, worms, spiders and the rest of the invertebrates. In addition to being an important part of the food chain, they perform important ecosystem functions. Bumblebees suck nectar from flowers and bring pollen to others, thus spreading the flowers. Thus they play a crucial role in the maintenance of our plants and food production. Earth worms turn the soil, making channels that increase drainage and aeration. This makes it easier for plants to take root. Lastly, springtails feed on dead plant matter and fungal hyphae. This converts the dead organic matter into nutrients that can be reabsorbed by the ecosystem. 

Together, the animals creates a large part of what we see as the nature around us. They give us food and products, or recreation like birdwatching. They maintain the soil, and balance our ecosystems. A rich animal life leads to a healthy nature, and therefore it’s important to maintain this diversity. The biggest challenge for terrestrial animals is area changes. Nature is removed to make space for human infrastructure, forests are cut down for timber, and disturbing elements like chemicals, can create problems for our pollinators. Thus it is important with good mapping and knowledge about the areas we intend to use, as well as making good decisions that takes care of all the inhabitants of our planet.