The difficult journey of the control of alien species: the giant hogweed and Sosnowsky’s hogweed in Estonia? Systematic control of alien species in Estonia began with two species of hogweed: the giant hogweed and Sosnowsky’s hogweed. They were brought to us mainly as silage during the Soviet era, but have proved to be troublesome nuisances that have now been controlled for more than a decade. The...

The purpose of monitoring is to provide information on changes in the state of the environment in Estonia. The objective of wildlife monitoring is to determine: the changes in species abundance and distribution and in communities; the impact of land use on biodiversity (such as the impact of the increasingly intense agricultural activity on insects or birds). The purpose of monitoring species and...

You can follow in the footsteps of Livingstone or Darwin even in the nearest wooded area, on the bank of a ditch, on the roadside, or perhaps even in your own backyard It is not necessary to buy a sailboat or organise a month-long journey through the jungle for a scientific expedition. You can follow in the footsteps of Livingstone or Darwin even in the nearest wooded area, on the bank of a ditch...

How do plants and animals get an Estonian name? Although a name is not quite the same as a designation, they are usually not distinguished in colloquial language. A name is given to an actual being, such as calling a dog Max or an oak the Viiralt oak, while designation is a general term, such as a dog or an oak. Estonian names for beings are terms that are created or organised by terminology...

Environmental supervision is ensuring the procedure established in legislation is followed in the use of the natural environment and resources Environmental supervision is ensuring the procedure established in legislation is followed in the use of the natural environment and resources. This is often a preventive check to prevent infringements or to detect them at the earliest possible stage. The...

How much has the mammal fauna in Estonia changed? The number of known mammal species in Estonia has increased by 30% since the end of World War II, from 46 to 66 species. There are many reasons for this change. Firstly, some species have probably lived here for a long time, but they have not been discovered before. Secondly, some species have arrived in Estonia quite recently, either independently...

Spending time outdoors, climbing trees, playing with rocks, watching insects – all this makes a child notice the nature around them Getting to know nature begins with noticing and giving thought to the surroundings. Therefore, no one is ever too young or too old to discover for themselves the endless wonders of nature and the uniqueness of every moment. How do I make my children interested in...

The twenty-first century is a century of environment, climate, and nature protection – every purposeful activity that protects nature and contributes to preserving the living environment is worth following With simple actions, or occasionally lack of action, you can help preserve habitats and species. Both everyday nature-friendly behaviour as well as active participation in nature conservation...

Grow plants whose nectar or fruit is also suitable for mammals, birds, and insects There is nature all around us. In both the wild bushland and near people – in city parks, waste lands, home gardens. In human-inhabited areas, which until recently were important habitats and sites for many species, there is now mostly low grass where many plant species cannot grow and where insects cannot find...

The diversity and species richness of a landscape is not just a value in itself, but it also provides direct economic benefit for farmers. At first, it might seem that leaving a buffer strip between crop fields doesn’t have a direct effect on the crops. However, research has shown that the wildlife and vegetation of these buffer strips can migrate to the fields. According to an outdated belief...