Beavering away: study to chart species spread across Scotland

A new study of beavers is due to get under way to plot the spread of the species across the country.
Beavers gained official protected status in May 2019, following on from a successful reintoduction trial in ArgyllBeavers gained official protected status in May 2019, following on from a successful reintoduction trial in Argyll
Beavers gained official protected status in May 2019, following on from a successful reintoduction trial in Argyll

It is the third survey in Scotland since 2012 but the first since the rodents gained protected status here last May.

It’s thought populations have dramatically expanded from the area around the Tay where they originally became established around 15 years ago.

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Areas where sightings have recently been reported but not confirmed will be investigated.

An unofficial beaver population has sprung up around Tayside, where dam-building and damage to trees has made the species unpopular with farmersAn unofficial beaver population has sprung up around Tayside, where dam-building and damage to trees has made the species unpopular with farmers
An unofficial beaver population has sprung up around Tayside, where dam-building and damage to trees has made the species unpopular with farmers

National agency NatureScot, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage, will be working with experts at the University of Essex to conduct the study this autumn and winter.

Researchers will travel on foot and by canoe to search for signs of beavers across Tayside, around the Forth and in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The project aims to create an accurate and up-to-date map of active beaver territories and assess the health and spread of the overall population.

The results will help guide future work with the species.

Eurasian beavers were once native to Scotland but have been absent since they were hunted to extinction in the 16th century for their skins, meat and oil.

They are considered some of the world’s best natural engineers, able to create new wetlands, restore native woodlands and improve conditions for a wide range of species.

The species was officially reintroduced to Scotland as part of a five-year trial that began in Argyll in 2009, which led to the species receiving legal protection in 2019.

However, a separate, unofficial colony has sprung up in Tayside after an illegal release or escape from captivity.

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Damage and flooding caused by beavers has brought them into conflict with farmers and land businesses in the area, with some resorting to culls.

“From sightings so far this year it looks like beavers are spreading even further in and around Tayside – there has even been a beaver spotted in the west of Glasgow,” said project leader Roo Campbell, from NatureScot.

“This is wonderful news, as beavers play a vital role in creating habitats such as ponds and wetlands where other species thrive, alleviating flooding and improving water quality.”

But he acknowledged that beavers can also cause problems – particularly on prime agricultural land.

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