Agusalu.27/01/10; Ida-Viru County; 11,000 ha; 59°05'N 027°32'E. Nature Reserve, Natura 2000, IBA. Part of Estonia's largest mire complex Agusalu-Puhatu, consisting of bogs, transition mires and fens characteristic for the biogeographic region. Coniferous as well as alluvial deciduous forests surround the mire complex. The site supports many regionally and nationally protected bird species such as Hazel Hen Bonasa bonasia, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, and Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus. It is the most important breeding place in Estonia for Greenshank Tringa nebularia and acts as a refuge for mammals with large habitat requirements, including Wolf Canis lupus, Lynx Lynx lynx and Brown Bear Ursus arctos. Moreover, the Flying Squirrel Pteromys volans can be found in the site. In terms of flora, nationally red-listed species occur, among them several orchid species. The complex plays an important role in the recharge and discharge of groundwater and the maintenance of water quality, especially due to its proximity to an oil-shale mining area. Besides the gradual move of oil-shale pits towards the site, the surrounding area is also threatened by the intensification of forestry and by drainage activities. Traditional picking of cranberries and mushrooms as well as small-scale forestry are practiced within the site. Ramsar Site no. 1999. Most recent RIS information: 2012.