Species of the year 2024 in Estonian nature

Meet the species of the year 2024 in Estonian nature! 

The first titleholder was chosen in 1995 from among the birds of Estonia – the corncrake. The tree of the year was added the following year. The list of species of the year started to grow rapidly in the previous decade, as the orchid, mammal, butterfly/moth, soil, moss, and fungus of the year were added. The latest addition, made in 2019, is the fish of the year. Throughout the years, the species selected have included both those commonly found in Estonian nature as well as rare ones in need of protection.

The titleholders are in the spotlight throughout the year – this way there is enough time to get acquainted with them. The species of the year are often the centrepieces of various activities, such as poetry and photo contests and gathering of observations. You, too, be attentive in nature and help gather information about the species or the year, or express your emotions about them in a creative way. Nature lovers and amateur naturalists have always made a substantial contribution to research into and protection of species.