Conservationists condemn deaths of nearly 90 beavers shot despite protected status

The animals were only awarded protected status in Scotland a year ago.

Scottish conservationists have condemned the shooting of nearly 90 wild beavers, just a year after they were given protected status.

Data from the Scottish government revealed that 87 beavers were shot and killed in Scotland between May and December 2019.

It has been illegal to kill the animals, or to destroy their established dams without a license since May last year - an achievement that was hailed by environmentalists.

Data from the Scottish government revealed that 87 beavers were shot and killed in Scotland between May and December 2019.

But new figures show that 40 licenses were awarded between May and December 2019, allowing the holders to use lethal force to control beaver numbers.

The Scottish government also issued 20 further licenses for other non-lethal measures to be used, including 19 licenses to remove or manipulate dams.

Wild beavers were only successfully reintroduced in Argyll in 2009, having been driven to extinction in the UK centuries ago.

Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation and science programmes at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland: "We are deeply disappointed to see the figures confirming 87 beavers were culled under licence in 2019.

“With lethal control at this scale, it is clear that the conservation status of beavers in Scotland comes under question.

"Answers are now needed on the effects that this level of control will have on population numbers. Many years of work by the conservation community have returned this wonderful native species to Scotland and it would be a travesty for this progress to backslide now.

"We look forward to working with the Scottish Beaver Forum to establish a positive future for this species and a roadmap for its recovery across the country."

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