For preserving biological diversity and for ensuring the favorable status of threatened species and habitats, 18,8% of Estonia's land area and 28% of the water area has been taken under protection.

Estonia has a total of 3,816 protected natural objects including:

• 6 national parks;
• 172 nature reserves;
• 153 landscape protection areas (nature parks);
• 514 parks and stands;
• 325 limited-conservation areas;
• 1,461 species’ protection sites;
• 1,095 individual protected natural objects;
• 23 natural objects protected at the local government level;
• 63 protected areas with old protection regulation.

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