Estonia

Estonia lies on the Baltic coast in northern Europe. The land territory of Estonia consists of the mainland, the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and over 2,200 islands and islets on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, with a total area of 45,339 square kilometers. Tallinn and Tartu are the two largest urban areas in the country. Thanks to its diverse climate and soil conditions, and the abundance of sea and inland waters, Estonia is one of the most biodiverse regions of similar size and latitude. Several species that are extinct in most other European countries are still alive in Estonia. The species listed include 64 mammals, 11 amphibians and 5 reptiles. Estonia's big mammals include the Grey Wolf, Lynx, Brown Bear, Red Fox, badger, wild boar, moose, elk, Roe Deer, beaver, otter, Grey Seal and Ringed Seal. The European Mink, which is critically endangered, has been reintroduced successfully to the island of Hiiumaa, and the rare Siberian Flying Squirrel is also present in eastern Estonia. The once extinct Roe Deer has also been reintroduced to the area. At the beginning of the 21st century, in Western Estonia, an isolated European Jackal population was found far north of their previously known range. Jackals have rapidly increased in numbers in coastal areas of Estonia, and are also found in Matsalu National Park. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in Estonia, including the White-Tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Western Capercaillie, Black and White Stork, numerous species of owls, waders, geese and many others. The Barn Swallow is Estonia's national bird.