Habitat of special importance (erityisen tärkeä elinympäristö)

Habitat of special importance, or key biotope, or valuable habitat, is a small area valuable for natural biodiversity. It contains more than the usual number of rare and demanding species. Among others, herb-rich forests and brooks in their natural state are very often habitats of special importance. The Forest Act defines a number of habitats of special importance, whose specific characteristics must be preserved either through protection or maintenance.