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Between 1997 and 2000, forest structure was studied in random plots in a 900-km² area in east-central Estonia. Only 2.4% (1.2% outside reserves) of forest land was covered by old unmanaged multi-cohort forests or forests with gap-phase dynamics, and 28% of their area was situated in edge zones. No stands naturally recovering after a recent natural stand-replacing disturbance were found. Hence, Estonian forest landscapes seem to lack habitats for old-growth specialists, and restoration of natural structure of forests may be needed for the viability of the most sensitive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]