For preserving biological diversity and for ensuring the favorable status of threatened species and habitats, 19,6% of Estonia's land area and 28,4% of the water area has been taken under protection.

Estonia has a total of 4,331 protected natural objects including:

• 6 national parks;
• 238 nature reserves;
• 147 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
• 452 parks and stands;
• 311 limited-conservation areas;
• 1,929 species’ protection sites;
• 125 spawning sites and habitats;
• 1,087 individual protected natural objects;
• 24 natural objects protected at the local government level;
• 12 protected areas with old protection regulation.

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