New wildlife atlas shows Estonia's large predators expanding ranges

A recent wildlife atlas for Estonia reveals a significant expansion in the territories occupied by large predators like wolves, bears, and lynx. These carnivores are now observed across most of the country, a trend attributed to successful conservation initiatives and tighter hunting regulations. The atlas, which compares data from two distinct periods, also notes the return of species like otters and beavers to larger islands, facilitated by their ability to cross water bodies. Additionally, the study documented four new mammal species in Estonia, including the golden jackal, with some expansions attributed to natural range shifts and others to enhanced monitoring techniques.

This atlas provides crucial insights into the changing distribution of wildlife, highlighting the success of conservation efforts for large predators and the impact of environmental changes on various species.