REuropean beaver release, castor fiberBoth managed and informal means this aquatic mammal has once again become part of the British landscape, 400 years after being wiped out by human hunting. The public is generally enthusiastic, and environmentalists say many forms of river life are benefiting as a result. Retaining water in the landscape can reduce flooding and protect against drought.
But not everyone is so impressed. Landowners and forest managers in particular have complained of damage to carefully regulated waterways and the felling of trees.
In Germany, where the beaver made a comeback several decades ago, scientists say about biodiversity Although increased dramatically by beavers, the same disparity still exists. Only 25% of the general public found beavers annoying, but 75% of agriculture and forestry workers found beavers annoying.
And in the UK, beavers are also feeling a backlash from some of the beavers who live near them and manage river habitats. In the UK, government permission has been granted to remove them. Some animals are captured and transported, but a small number are killed.
German scientists believe the best way to protect beavers is to make landowners and forest managers understand that the benefits outweigh the losses from beaver activity.
