Believers in beavers win right to bring back rodents after 400 years

PRIZED for their fur, hunted for their meat and sought after for the supposed medicinal qualities of their tails, beavers were always going to struggle to survive.

But now, 400 years after they were hunted to extinction in Britain, the rodents are to be re-introduced to Scotland. Up to four families of European beavers will soon be making their homes in Argyll, after Michael Russell, the environment minister, approved a trial scheme.

The move follows a long-fought campaign by wildlife enthusiasts to bring back an animal which they say will contribute greatly to biodiversity. And, if successful, it could see other extinct species return to Scotland.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust's chief executive, Simon Milne, said: "This is more than just bringing back a single lost species. It's about rebuilding our depleted wildlife communities and re-invigorating the natural dynamics of Scotland's wetland and woodland habitats – to the advantage of existing as well as homecoming species."

The trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland joined forces to apply for a licence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to release beavers into the wild in Scotland.

It is planned that the beavers will be captured this autumn in Norway and placed in quarantine for six months. Three or four families will then be released at lochs in Knapdale, Argyll, next spring.

Mr Russell said it was "an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond".

He said: "They are charismatic, resourceful little mammals and I fully expect their reappearance in Knapdale to draw tourists from around the British Isles – and even further afield.

"Other parts of Europe, with a similar landscape to Scotland, have re-introduced beavers and evidence has shown that they can also have positive ecological benefits, such as creating and maintaining a habitat hospitable to other species."

He said Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) would monitor the progress of the new residents over the next five years before a wider re- introduction programme was considered. The impact the beavers have on the environment and economy will also have a major influence on the final decision.

"For now, though, we should enjoy the sight of beavers roaming wild in Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years," said Mr Russell.

Professor Colin Galbraith, the director of policy and advice for SNH, said no other beaver re- introduction project in Europe had gone through such a thorough process of preparation, assessment and examination.

The Scottish Beavers Network – an Inverness-shire based group made up of landowners, ecologists, tourist operators and wildlife enthusiasts – have tirelessly routed for the re-emergence of the beaver.

The group claims that, since the extinction of the animals, there has been a major gap in the ecosystem. It is hoped that now the nocturnal creatures will provide slower-moving water through their dams and lodges, creating new opportunities for aquatic plants to thrive.

David Windmill, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said the granting of the licence was "a strong and visible sign of the Scottish Government's commitment to carrying out conservation in Scotland and rebuilding our depleted biodiversity".

He said if the scheme was successful, other species could be introduced in Scotland in the future.

However, the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association which represents landowners, is worried that beavers could block salmon runs with their dams or undermine waterways with their burrows.

"This does not have universal support," said the association's Highland manager, Drew MacFarlane Slack. "If it does get the go-ahead, I would be concerned if any of our concerns are not addressed in the licence."

Master builder who sustains wildlife and wetlands

When did beavers become extinct in Scotland?

They died out 400 years ago, following a sustained period of hunting for their fur and a chemical in their tails – castoreum – which was believed to have medicinal properties and a derivative of which is used in asprin today.

Were they targeted for anything else?

In some areas, beaver meat was an important part of the diet and Roman Catholics were permitted to eat meat from the tail and paws as a substitute for fish on a Friday.

When did we start to think about re-introducing them?

There have been various attempts over the years, but Scottish Natural Heritage launched a major study which reported back in 1997.

When did the groundwork begin for the latest attempt?

In January 2007, the Species Action Framework was launched by Scottish National Heritage. It provides a strategic approach to species management. In July, Michael Russell MSP, the environment minister, said he was interested in bringing beavers back.

Then what happened?

The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland joined forces to consider an application for a licence for a new trial in Knapdale and, with support from the Mammals Trust UK, launched a local consultation in the Mid-Argyll area last October-November.

Why would we want them back?

They are known as a keystone species because their presence helps other wildlife and improves habitats. By building dams they create ponds and wetlands that attract other species such as frogs, toads, voles, birds and fish.

Any other benefits?

They help to improve water quality and manage local flooding by creating their own flood defences. In the woodlands they help to stimulate new growth.

Have any other countries re-introduced them?

From the 1920s, successful reintroductions have taken place in 24 European countries.

And have they benefited economically?

Guided beaver safaris operate in Brittany, Belgium, Denmark, Poland and Sweden where guests pay to view.