Game and large carnivore laboratory

Taivalkoski is home to one of the Natural Resources Institute Finland's special laboratories – the Game and large carnivore laboratory, which operates in closely cooperation with the authorities (VOAS tasks). 

The main subjects of research are large predators (wolves, bears, lynxes, wolverines), seals (Baltic ringed seals, gray seals), and otters hunted under special permits granted in accordance with Section 41 of the Hunting Act. The examination of hunting catches is an important part of sustainable population management, and the tasks are based on an agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Luke. The game laboratory's areas of expertise include anatomy and animal ecology.

• Sample collection, pre-processing room
• Autopsy room with lifting equipment (incl. scales)
• Refrigeration equipment; (+4°C, -18°C, -80°C)
• DNA bank

Sampling/autopsy:

• Condition (weight and length parameters)
• Sex and reproductive status
• Age determination (teeth) in cooperation with Matson’s Laboratory, USA
• Nutritional analyses of stomach and intestinal contents
• Parasite and disease investigations in cooperation with the Finnish Food Authority
• Tissue samples for DNA analysis

The Taivalkoski predator laboratory (now the Game and large carnivore laboratory) began operations in 1996. Hundreds of carcasses are processed there every year. Research data on hunted predators has been collected over a period of thirty years. 

In addition to VOAS tasks related to population monitoring, the material is also used by university thesis writers, among others. The research material is also used in collaboration with international research groups.