ABSTRACT
The Mountain Mistra research programme focuses on the mountains of northwestern Sweden, particularly the 15 mountain communes that represent 41 per cent (165,000km2) of Sweden (see Figure 8.1). Most of this land is covered with boreal coniferous forest; about 40,000km2 is alpine or tundra. The region contains large wilderness areas and conservation values of international importance; most of Sweden's national parks are situated here. In addition to the 6500km2 protected in national parks, at least twice this area has some form of nature conservation protection. This region is the home of all the remaining large carnivores, especially the wolverine, which is primarily found in the borderland between the coniferous forest and alpine mountains.
