For preserving biological diversity and for ensuring the favorable status of threatened species and habitats, 21% of Estonia's land area and 29,2% of the water area has been taken under protection.
Estonia has a total of 4,657 protected natural objects including:
- 6 national parks;
- 242 nature reserves;
- 150 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
- 443 parks and stands;
- 308 limited-conservation areas;
- 2,275 species’ protection sites;
- 125 spawning sites and habitats;
- 1,070 individual protected natural objects;
- 34 natural objects protected at the local government level;
- 4 protected areas with old protection regulation.
The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). Photo by Jaanus Tanilsoo