Riistanhoitotyö

Riistanhoitotyö refers to wildlife management work in Finland. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at maintaining and improving the populations of wild game species and their habitats. The primary goal is to ensure a sustainable balance between wildlife populations, their environment, and human interests, including hunting, conservation, and preventing human-wildlife conflicts.

Key aspects of riistanhoitotyö include habitat management, which involves actions like maintaining clearings, planting game cover, and managing forests to benefit game species. Population monitoring is crucial, with efforts focused on assessing the numbers and health of different game populations through surveys, game bag statistics, and research. This data informs management decisions and hunting quotas.

Disease control and monitoring are also part of riistanhoitotyö, aiming to prevent the spread of diseases that could affect wildlife and potentially livestock or humans. Furthermore, it involves managing hunting practices to ensure they are sustainable and ethical, often through regulations and education. The work also addresses issues like damage caused by game animals to agriculture, forestry, or infrastructure, and seeks to mitigate these problems.

Riistanhoitotyö is conducted by various entities, including government agencies, hunting associations, landowners, and researchers. It is a collaborative effort that recognizes the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of wildlife in Finland. The overarching aim is to preserve Finland's rich biodiversity and the opportunities for enjoying its natural heritage.