Law change after beaver shot
Beavers are to get legal protection in Scotland, after one was found shot on a Perthshire nature reserve.
The animal was found by The Scottish Wildlife Trust on the reserve at the end of last week.
Following the grim discovery, urgent calls were made by the trust for the introduction of legal protection for beavers.
In December, the trust and 17 other leading environmental organisations and individuals, published an open letter calling on the Scottish Government to honour its pledge to introduce European Protected Species status for beavers.
However on Saturday, December 23, the announcement was made that beavers would in fact receive legal protection.
Speaking last week, Jonny Hughes, chief executive of Scottish Wildlife Trust, said the beaver likely died from an infection after being shot in the chest.
He said:“We believe this animal was shot elsewhere while foraging and then died from its wounds after returning to its home territory.
“Sadly, this beaver is likely to have suffered a slow and painful death, and the loss of the resident female may mean that the complex network of dams and lodges that have developed on the reserve will be abandoned.
“Without legal protection beavers are subject to unregulated culling.
“There is no clear picture of how many beavers are being culled or whether this is being done humanely.
“In addition to the significant positive effects that beavers can have
A beaver near Dunkeld, picture by Ron Walsh on the natural environment, we helping humans by reducing the risk realise that there are some localised of floods down river. negative impacts that need to be “They are also providing a boost to managed. Scotland’s rural economy by
“However, lethal control should be increasing wildlife tourism.” used as an absolute last resort and Barbara Smith, chief executive of must be carried out humanely.” the Royal Zoological Society of
He has now welcomed the news Scotland, said:“The granting of the beavers will be protected. European Protected Status is a vital
Mr Hughes continued:“We are step in welcoming beavers back to delighted that the Scottish Scotland as a natural part of our Government has finally given the ecosystem. green light to granting beavers “This is a milestone for the many of European Protected Status. us who have worked together for
“Legal protection, alongside a years on the return of this species. suitable management framework, is “Legal protection accompanied by necessary to ensure we benefit fully a proper framework for from their return and also ensure management is critical to ensuring land managers can deal with that beavers can be protected and localised negative impacts. live alongside people long into the
“The return of beavers to future.” Scotland’s lochs and rivers offers According to the most recent widespread ecological benefits. survey, there are an estimated 430
“Beavers are well-known for their beavers in Tayside. engineering prowess, creating At the moment, it is unknown how wetland havens that provide homes many beavers have been culled, but for many other species including fish, reports from the Scottish Natural insects and waterbirds, while also Heritage range from 50 to over 240.