Beaver (Castor fiber)

The European beaver is a keystone species in terrestrial aquatic ecosystems. It became extinct in Scotland in the 16th century due to hunting for its fur and castoreum (a secretion from its scent glands), and habitat loss. However, in May 2009, 11 beavers were released into Knapdale Forest in mid-Argyll as part of a trial reintroduction. This landmark project is the first ever formal reintroduction of a native mammal to Britain.

Pages about European Beaver on this site

• Restoring Missing Species: The Beaver
• European Beaver - species profile
• Beaver - species missing from the Caledonian Forest
• Mythology and folklore of the beaver
• Riparian Woodlands
• Beavers: Aspen heaven or hell?
• Beavers and Aspen: looking to the future

• Beavers are Back! Caledonia Wild! Summer 2009
• Beaver trial a milestone for Scottish biodiversity Press release 29th May 2009
• Beavers to return to Scotland at last! Caledonia Wild! Summer 2008
• Press release: trial reintroduction of beavers (29th May 2008)
• Scottish executive says no to beavers Caledonia Wild! Winter 2005
• Trees for Life calls for approval of a trial reintroduction of the European beaver 1 March 2005
• Beaver reintroduction decision delayed Caledonia Wild! Spring 2003
• Response from Trees for Life to the public consultation (1998) about beaver reintroduction to Scotland
• Beaver news Caledonia Wild! Winter 2000-01
• Reintroduction of the European Beaver (Castor fiber) into Scotland

External links to pages about European Beaver in the UK

• The Scottish Beaver Trial
• The Scottish Wildlife Trust's Beaver Campaign
• Scottish Executive approves a trial reintroduction of beavers (25th May 2008)
• Beavers believed to be on loose (18 April 2008)
• 6 Beavers released into an enclosed lake at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park, October 2005
• Beavers released into an enclosure at Aigas, Scotland, April 2006
• New Scottish Environment Minister, Michael Russell, calls for SNH to draw up new beaver reintroduction plans (Sunday Herald, June 2007)