Bioecological characteristics of Iceland with reference to national parks

Iceland's unique subarctic climate, shaped by its North Atlantic location near the Arctic Circle, significantly influences its bioecological characteristics. The study reveals that while only 24% of Iceland is covered with stable vegetation, vast areas (76%) remain uncultivable due to harsh conditions like sand fields, lava flows, and glaciers. National parks, including Þingvellir, play a crucial role in preserving this fragile ecosystem. The research provides a detailed bioecological profile of Iceland, emphasizing the sparse plant cover and the dominance of tundra zones, with only 1.2% of the land forested. By focusing on national parks, the study highlights their importance in conserving biodiversity amid extreme environmental conditions.

Dragovic, A., Kosanin, O., Perovic, M., & Cvjeticanin, R. (2025). Bioecological characteristics of Iceland with reference to national parks. Bulletin of the Faculty of Forestry, (131), 27–54. https://doi.org/10.2298/gsf2531027d