Plants and Animal
Alpine and arctic vegetation prevail in northern Sweden. The highest mountain areas are barren of vegetation; the next highest regions are moorlands with various kinds of mosses and lichens. Below the moorlands is a zone of birch and willow trees, often dwarfed and stunted. The next lower, and largest, zone is covered with coniferous forests, primarily of spruce and Scotch pine. In the south, deciduous trees, including oak and beech, are found.Roe deer and elk are plentiful in Sweden’s forests. Reindeer are common in the north, where they are herded by the Saami. Bears, lynx, and wolves are now quite rare. Lemmings are extensive in the upland moorlands. Various wild birds are plentiful, with many rare species protected in nature preserves.