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Seven beaver It has been released into a Scottish nature reserve for the first time in 400 years.
reproduction of species At Glen Affric National Nature Reserve scotlandThe North West Highlands aims to re-establish linked populations of animals that were hunted to extinction in Britain four centuries ago.
The otters, consisting of a family of five otters and another otter pair, were released at two sites on the five-mile-long Loch Beinn an Mhaadhoin nature reserve in Invernessshire.
They have been transferred under license from agricultural land in Teesside. The team behind the transfer – Forestry and Lands Scotland (FLS), and Trees for Life, said the beavers’ behavior is expected to have a positive impact on the landscape and biodiversity.
Beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purifying water and reducing flooding. Animals also provide economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: “As soon as we saw the otters released into the lake, we were witnessing a moment in wildlife history – one that tackles the nature and climate emergencies and offers hope for a better future for biodiversity and people.
“We are proud to be working with FLS on this community-focused initiative. FLS has carried out significant habitat restoration work at Glen Affric over many years and has shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat-creating, biodiversity-enhancing, flood-preventing animal.”
Alex McLeod, FLS Northern Region Manager, said: “The relocation of the beavers to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, precise and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life. Engaging fully with local Affric communities, including an extensive consultation process, has been vital in ensuring that all voices were heard.
“This high level of local consultation has helped to establish processes to discuss any necessary mitigation and address concerns raised by people not in favor of beaver introduction. We are setting up a group to oversee ongoing monitoring to inform management decisions over the coming months and years, and I am hopeful that beavers will eventually become an integral and unmarked part of Glen Affric.”
The reintroduction helps to deliver Scotland’s National Beaver Strategy – which supports the expansion of beaver populations – and a Scottish Government directive calling on public agencies to seek reintroduction of the species to state-owned land outside existing beaver ranges.
Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s “the most beautiful“The Glens, Glen Affric, are home to the country’s third largest expanse of ancient Caledonian pinewood, as well as lakes, vast moorland and rugged mountains. Protected under several conservation designations, the Glen is recognized as a Caledonian Forest Reserve, a National Scenic Area and a National Nature Reserve.
The relocation of the animals to the glen was led by Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at the Beaver Trust, who said: “Beavers are a powerful ally in addressing the biodiversity crisis, and we are delighted to be carrying out this important restoration in one of Scotland’s most famous glens.
“In each new catchment we restore beavers to bring Scotland closer to its 2045 target of a nature-rich, resilient future. Responsible, well-considered translocations like this are helping to re-establish a healthy, connected beaver population across the country.”