For preserving biological diversity and for ensuring the favorable status of threatened species and habitats, 19,8% of Estonia's land area and 29,2% of the water area has been taken under protection.

Estonia has a total of 4,455 protected natural objects including:

  • 6 national parks;
  • 242 nature reserves;
  • 150 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
  • 461 parks and stands;
  • 308 limited-conservation areas;
  • 2,041 species’ protection sites;
  • 125 spawning sites and habitats;
  • 1,088 individual protected natural objects;
  • 28 natural objects protected at the local government level;
  • 4 protected areas with old protection regulation.

 

Metsis

The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). Photo by Jaanus Tanilsoo