‘Native’ designation is a success for conservation
Conservation bodies in Scotland have welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to formally recognise the Eurasian beaver as a native species, 400 years after it was hunted to extinction in the UK, calling it a “major success for conservation”.
According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) - one of the lead partners in the Scottish Beaver Trial - returning beavers to Scotland’s lochs and rivers is the first formal mammal reintroduction in UK history and the culmination of nearly two decades’ work.
The RZSS and the Scottish Wildlife Trust also highlighted the benefits that beavers can bring to habitats, other species and the local economy.
These include creating new wetlands which support a wide range of wildlife such as otters, water voles, fish and dragonflies, creating more diverse woodlands through naturally coppicing trees, and helping to regulate flooding and improve water quality.
An increase in beavers is also certain to boost wildlife tourism in Scotland, which is already worth an estimated £127 million every year to the economy.
However, both the RZSS and the Scottish Wildlife Trust stressed that A beaver dam. Pic Paul Ramsay in order for the species to have a longterm future in Scotland and re-colonise across much of its former range, further releases of beavers will be necessary over the next few years.
They also recognise that beaver activity needs to be “carefully monitored and managed, particularly where it impacts on other land uses” and say they are keen to get an effective management framework in place before the next breeding season in March.
In a joint statement from the two organisations, Barbara Smith, chief executive of RZSS, said: “Today is a truly historic day for Scottish conservation. Returning a keystone species to the wild for the first time in 400 years is a tremendous achievement for RZSS and our partners the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and we welcome the government’s commitment to the species both in Knapdale and further afield.”
She went on: “Establishing a clear and comprehensive management plan for the species should now be our top priority” adding “We would urge government to take a lead on this issue and firm up plans ahead of the breeding season next spring.”
Jonathan Hughes, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a major milestone for Scotland’s wildlife and the wider conservation movement. Beavers are one of the world’s best natural engineers. Their ability to create new wetlands and restore native woodland is remarkable and improves conditions for a wide range of species including dragonflies, otters and fish.
“The return of beavers also has great potential for education and wildlife tourism. We have already seen at Knapdale how their presence is a tremendous draw for visitors from all over the world, which in turn brings social and economic benefits to the rural economy.”
Stuart Brooks, chief executive of conservation charity the John Muir Trust also welcomed the news.
He said: “We’re delighted that beavers will remain in our lochs and rivers adding to the wildness of Scotland. Recent trials have shown that returning once native species will enhance habitats for the benefit of people and for our natural world.
“We also welcome the measures to manage the impact of beavers for farmers and other land owners as a sensible and pragmatic approach.”