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 4,506 protected natural objects including:
- 6 national parks;
- 242 nature reserves;
- 150 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
- 446 parks and stands;
- 308 limited-conservation areas;
- 2,124 species’ protection sites;
- 125 spawning sites and habitats;
- 1,072 individual protected natural objects;
- 29 natural objects protected at the local government level;
- 4 protected areas with old protection regulation.
The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). Photo by Jaanus Tanilsoo