Reindeer from a Sàmi herd

The destruction of Finnish forests could mean Santa won't be able to make his round-the-world trip this Christmas. Rudolph and his reindeer friends usually fly Mr Claus and his sleigh of presents across the globe for the annual chimney-squeezing bonanza - but Lapland's most famous animals are increasingly threatened.

The reindeer of Lapland rely on tree lichen for vital nutrients during the harsh winter months around Christmas. However, the state-owned Finnish logging company Metsahallitus is chopping down the trees where the reindeer's food grow and depriving them of an important energy source on the eve of the one-night global gala of giving, just when they need it most.

The lichen - a cross between an algae and a fungus - grows only in ancient forests. Finland is home to some of the last ancient forests in Europe, yet these areas are under increasing threat from logging. The dwindling forests are also home to hundreds of other important animals such as the golden eagle, the endangered flying squirrel and the three-toed woodpecker.

Pat Venditti, Greenpeace forests campaigner said: "Finland has some of the last remaining ancient forests in Europe. And even though these threatened areas are home to animals such as reindeer, wolverines and eagles, logging companies continue to destroy them.

"Rudolph and all his reindeer friends could go hungry this Christmas and may even eventually be driven out of their traditional Lapland home because logging has wiped out the trees their food grows on.

"There's absolutely no reason for these pristine ancient forests to be trashed. If Rudolph could be granted a Christmas wish, I'm sure he'd ask for this destruction to stop."

Further information
Contact the Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255.
Photographs available on request.