This publication describes the fifth assessment of Finnish threatened species. The current estimated number of species in Finland is at least 48,000. Sufficient information was available for the evaluation of 22,418 species or lower taxa, which is approximately 47% of all species. In total, 2,667 species or lower taxa (11.9%) were assessed as threatened. The red-listed species, which, in addition to threatened species, include the species classified as Regionally Extinct, Near Threatened, and Data Deficient, total 6,683 (29.8%). Of the species evaluated, 489 were classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 918 as Endangered (EN), 1,260 as Vulnerable (VU), 1,912 as Near Threatened (NT), 1,792 as Data Deficient (DD), 312 as Regionally Extinct (RE), and 15,735 as of Least Concern (LC).

The assessment was carried out in accordance with guidelines and criteria issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and applied in assessments at the regional level. These criteria are based on observed, estimated, inferred, or projected population size reduction; the extent of occurrence or area of occupancy; continuing decline in a small population or a very small size of population; or a quantitative analysis. In addition, species’ habitats, as well as causes of threat and threat factors, were documented in the Finnish evaluation.

The majority of threatened species live in forests (31%) and in rural biotopes and other cultural habitats (24%). Of the species assessed the proportion of threatened species is highest in Alpine habitats (37.9%). The number of threatened species is highest in the hemiboreal and southern boreal zones in southern Finland. The results of the assessment are compared to the previous assessment 2010 for example with the Red List Index.

In addition, proceedings of the proposals given by the steering group of the previous assessment are evaluated. The steering group of this assessment made 13 proposals for measures for the arrangement and financing of the conservation, management, research, and monitoring of threatened species.

The results of the work of the expert groups responsible for the evaluation are presented in 39 organism group -specific sections.