Releases of European beavers, Castor fiber, both controlled and unofficial, mean that this aquatic mammal is now again a part of the British landscape, returning 400 years after being wiped out by human hunting. The public is generally enthusiastic and environmental campaigners say there are gains for many forms of river life as a result. The retention of water in the landscape leads to a reduction in flooding and can protect against droughts.
However, not everyone is so impressed – particularly landowners and foresters, who complain of damage to carefully regulated watercourses and tree felling.
In Germany, where beavers made a comeback decades ago, scientists say biodiversity has been dramatically increased by beavers, but the same divide still exists. Only 25% of the general public found beavers annoying, but 75% of farming and forestry folk said beavers made them angry.
And in Britain, too, beavers are feeling this backlash from some of those that live closest to them and manage their river habitat. Government licences to remove them in England are being granted. Some animals are captured and relocated, while a smaller number are killed.
The German scientists believe that the best way to protect beavers is to educate the landowners and the foresters, so that they realise their gains from their activity are greater than the losses.
