A project to reintroduce beavers to a river in Devon, England has been hailed as such a great success that the government is considering more releases of the animal at selected locations after research revealed that doing so increases biodiversity and reduces the risk of flooding.
The five-year study on the River Otter showed that beavers also bring other benefits, such as creating new wetland habitats and improving water quality. The animals’ presence increases biodiversity by raising the populations of fish, amphibians and water voles thanks to the creation of new habitats, while their dam-building helps to prevent flooding by storing excess water.
Two families of beaver – which originally appeared due to an unlicensed or accidental release – have built 28 dams on the river, and the study has convinced the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs not to have them removed, an act described by Devon Wildlife Trust as “the most ground-breaking government decision for England’s wildlife for a generation”.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We are firmly committed to providing opportunities to reintroduce formerly native species, such as beavers, where the benefits for the environment, people and the economy are clear.”
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A project to reintroduce beavers to a river in Devon, England has been hailed as such a great success that the government is considering more releases of the animal at selected locations after research revealed that doing so increases biodiversity and reduces the risk of flooding.
The five-year study on the River Otter showed that beavers also bring other benefits, such as creating new wetland habitats and improving water quality. The animals’ presence increases biodiversity by raising the populations of fish, amphibians and water voles thanks to the creation of new habitats, while their dam-building helps to prevent flooding by storing excess water.
Two families of beaver – which originally appeared due to an unlicensed or accidental release – have built 28 dams on the river, and the study has convinced the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs not to have them removed, an act described by Devon Wildlife Trust as “the most ground-breaking government decision for England’s wildlife for a generation”.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We are firmly committed to providing opportunities to reintroduce formerly native species, such as beavers, where the benefits for the environment, people and the economy are clear.”