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Reintroduction of beavers
25/05/2008
The European beaver will be reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years, it was announced today.
Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis in spring 2009.
Mr Russell said:
"This is an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond.
"The beaver was hunted to extinction in this country in the 16th century and I am delighted that this wonderful species will be making a comeback.
"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 reintroduced beavers and evidence has shown that they can also have positive ecological benefits, such as creating and maintaining a habitat hospitable to other species.
"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will now closely monitor the progress of our new residents over the next five years.
"I very much hope to see them flourish in the woods of Knapdale and lay the foundation for a wider reintroduction in other parts of Scotland.
"However, the impact the beavers have on the local environment and economy must be carefully assessed before we can make any decision on whether to approve any further reintroduction.
"For now though, we should enjoy the sight of beavers roaming wild in Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years."
Professor Colin Galbraith, Director of Policy and Advice for SNH said:
"The decision is excellent news - for the first time we will have the opportunity to see how beavers fit into the Scottish countryside in a planned and managed trial. No other beaver reintroduction project in Europe has gone through such a long, and thorough, process of preparation, assessment and examination.
"During the trial, which will be run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, SNH will have two main roles. We will coordinate the independent monitoring of the trial, and will report to the Scottish Government on whether the conditions of the licence are being fully addressed on the ground. The trial will be a major contribution to Scotland's Species Action Framework, which sets out a strategic approach to species management in Scotland."
The joint application was made by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) for a licence under section 16(4) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to release beavers into the wild in Scotland.
The project proposes that beavers will be captured in Norway in autumn 2008, placed in quarantine for a six month period and then three to four families will be released at Knapdale in Argyll in spring 2009.
The proposed release sites are five lochs in the Knapdale area of Argyll. The release will be followed by a five year period of monitoring which will run until spring 2014.
The European beaver is on the Species Action Framework, and this trial will be a contribution towards its goals. The Species Action Framework was launched by SNH and The Scottish Government in 2007 and sets out a strategic approach to species management in Scotland. In addition, 32 species have been identified as the focus of new management action for five years from 2007. A range of partners is involved in developing this work.