Beavers back
7 June 2008
I for one, was very pleased to hear of the announcement by Environment Minister Michael Russell, for the go-ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis.
It is perhaps not surprising that this keystone species is being re-established after some 400 years into a relatively remote area of Scotland – once more common in southern areas of our islands – the ecosystem we call Britain has changed somewhat over the intervening years and for it to stand a chance of thriving, it needs more space and resource than would be available to it now. The Beavers we are to get (due to be captured later on this year and held in quarantine) will come from Norway and will be as close to the extinct animal as possible, inline with over 20 country’s similar schemes within Europe, and are due to be released in spring 2009. The quarantine is a safeguard against ‘Beaver Fever’ – caused by the Giardia intestinalis parasite – for which there has been a suitable amount of scare-mongering going on (incidentally; this is a perfect example of why I don’t have a commenting enable here – I can’t be bothered with the ensuing diatribe – send me an email if you want). Mind you, as usual there is the predictable opposition from some quarters around the proposed site, who can only envisage problems, but that is generally the nature of a particular beast being driven by considerable unenlightened inertia. Thankfully, many perceived pests are gradually making a comeback, when the requirement for diversity has been recognised as an imperative.
However, there have been misguided releases of the animals before things were properly sorted and put in-place, and this could only end up being bad news for the animals in question and their species cause in general. We don’t want another Mink happening. Re-introduction of this type needs very careful controls, so it is good that the trial will be run over five years by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, with project monitoring by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Up to 20 animals only, are expected to be released at first, which will be tagged, so if it really does go pear-shaped they can potentially be caught-up. Let’s hope people can get used to Beaver activity as well as Beavers getting used to Scotland. If it does all go well, there is another re-introduction site planned for 2010, but there will have to be adaption by both parties I feel.The Dam Beavers Also, do we really have the stomach to control the exploits of what is being billed a “cute” little animal if and when they start treading on toes, balance is required – I wonder who is the most adaptable after all?
Now I am annoyed
