Fauna

The natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) is one of the characteristic species of coastal meadows. Some tens of years ago this species was very widespread along the coast of western Estonia. But the end of management that has brought along the brushwood has caused the disappearance of the natterjack and only some perishing populations have survived. The main reason has been the loss of suitable easily warmed ponds with shallow water that are needed for spawning. The moor frog (Rana arvalis) is also quite common on coastal meadows.

Grass snake (Natrix natrix) is one of the typical representatives of reptiles of coastal meadows.

Coastal meadows are characterised by very diverse and abundant bird fauna. These communities are favourable assembling places during the migration period for several goose (barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) and greylag goose (Anser anser)) and woodcock species. The representatives of goose and woodcocks are also among the nesting species of coastal meadows. Typical hatching species are the redshank (Tringa totanus), black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), dunlin (Calidrus alpina), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), ruff (Philomachus pugnax), oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula), curlew (Numenius arquata). Species that are more seldom are the avocet (Recurvirosta avosetta), red-necked phalarope (Phlaropus lobatus). Several nesting duck species are common on coastal meadows – the mallard (Anas platyrynchos), garganey (Anas querquedula), northern shoveller (Anas clypeata). There are also following nesting sparrow species such as meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis), yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava), skylark (Alauda arvensis). The number of the sparrow species nesting in the bushes is higher as the coastal meadow becomes overgrown. Woodcocks are dominating on bare grazed coastal meadows. The number of geese and sparrows is higher on diverse, litter-rich, or reed or bush-covered coastal meadows. Several woodcocks have become very rare and have been taken under protection because the area of their habitats, traditional opened coastal meadows, has decreased to great extent.

There are no characteristic mammal species on coastal meadows. One can meet here such animals in the search for food like moose (Alces alces), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), hare (Lepus europaeus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and mink (Mustela vison).