Aspen provides habitats for at least 2000 species

Asko Lõhmus, Ann Kraut, Piret Lõhmus, Jaanus Remm, Raul Rosenvald and Mihkel Soon introduce (old) aspen as a habitat for distinctively diverse and peculiar flora and fauna. Statistically speaking, 195 lichen species, about hundred moss species and 5 species of fungi have been found growing on aspen trees. Different insects (over 50 species of beetles, 6 species of butterflies and 3 species of sawflies) inhabit either the timber or bark of the tree. Cavities in the tree trunk offer nesting, resting or sheltering grounds for over 70 animal species, especially the woodpeckers. Even more species like dead aspen trees: 500-600 species of fungi, 45 species of lichens and mosses, over 500 insect species. Aspen forests create habitats for over 200 species of vascular plants.

Cheerful otters

Sven Zaèek tells the story of his photo shoot of otters which led to a number of astonishing photos which now illustrate the pages the magazine. The author managed to follow the day of three otters, possibly a mother and her two kids. In addition to the photographs, he got a good insight into the everyday activities of an otter family.

The Tuhala Witch Well is endangered

Ants Talioja is in awe about the fact that an extensive limestone quarry is planned to be established only one kilometre from a nature protection area, the Tuhala landscape protection area which is protected for its karst features, including the famous Tuhala Witch Well. The plan is commented upon by hydrogeologist Hella Kink and botanist Ülle Kukk. They both agree that the plan threatens the protected landscapes and their flora and fauna a great deal.

Roosna-Alliku landscape protection area

Kaire Sirel takes the reader to an area in Järva County, which is rich in springs and karst features. Among others, one of the springs gives birth to the Pärnu River, one of the longest rivers in Estonia.

The Pond Bat

Kaja Lotman suggests how people could participate in helping one of our biggest bat species. While the Pond Bat is much related to human settlements, it is also a very easily disturbed animal. The article also provides a figure of the habitats of the bat in Estonia.

Interview: talks with wolves

Toomas Jüriado has interviewed Ilmar Rootsi, a researcher of wolves, who issued an extensive monograph in September.

The bird of the year: tailing the hunting Goshawk

Eet Tuule takes a glance at the hunting habits of Goshawk and states that it is not easy to be a bird of prey. The described moments originate from the ornithologist’s diary and give a good idea of the hard life of the Goshawk.

The European Weasel killed a Goshawk

Madis Põdra and Tiit Maran write about a rare case that happened in August on the Hiiumaa Island: a female of the extremely rare European Weasel killed an endangered Goshawk when the latter attempted to attack her young ones.

Essay: Of stones on the coast and our luck by Anne Kurepalu

Estonian Nature enquires

Ulve Ramst writes about moving the Estonian Natural Museum to a new location.

Erki Tammiksaar explains the nature and activities of the Centre of Science History of the Estonian Agricultural University.

185 years from the beginning of teaching of geology in Tartu University

Mare Isakar tells the history of Estonian geological science which is mostly related to geologists working in the Tartu University. In 1920, the chair of mineralogy was founded in Tartu University. For over a century, the activities were much related to the administrating professor. In 1945, more collective work was started.

Summertime at Jõulumäe (“Christmas Hill”)

Helen Alumäe took a hike on the 5 km-long nature trail at Jõulumäe, Pärnu County. The trail winds through the light pine forest and over dunes dating back from approximately 5000-8000 years ago. The Jõulumäe Health Center has also three longer hiking trails: 10, 15 and 25 km-long tracks.