“Recognizing and Appreciating Beavers: Key Species and Biodiversity Boosters”

Recognize beavers

Of bever became extinct in the Netherlands in 1826. In 1988, the reintroduction of Europe’s largest rodent was started. Since then, the species has expanded considerably and can be found again in large parts of the Netherlands. When swimming you often only see its head sticking out half above the water. Then he can sometimes be confused with, for example, a beaver or muskrat. However, when you see its broad, flat and scaly tail, there is no longer any doubt: that is a beaver.

Because it spends a lot of time in the water, the beaver has large legs with webbed feet between its toes. In order to gnaw through all kinds of wood, it has large front teeth that are covered with a hard layer of orange enamel.

You have the best chance of seeing beavers during twilight. You may encounter beaver tracks earlier. A beaver lodge is one of the clearest traces of beaver activity. Gnawed down trees (‘pencil points’) and paw prints also betray the presence of beavers.

Key type

The beaver is a key species. This means that it brings variety to existing ecosystems. By gnawing down trees, the beaver creates open spaces and dead wood. This creates space for plants in these places, which in turn attract butterflies and other insects. Amphibians and reptiles also benefit from this. Beavers are of course also known for the dams they build. The slow-flowing or stagnant water is again interesting for all kinds of aquatic animals. The banks created by the meandering of a river or stream are also useful for breeding birds and nesting bees. In this way, the beaver can increase local biodiversity.

Challenges

Beavers can cause (complex) challenges in some places due to their gnawing, digging and building dams. This can usually be solved by taking targeted measures, so that we can live together with the beaver in a sustainable way. You can read more about this this message and on the website of the Knowledge Center Bever.

Of ‘International Day for Biological Diversity’ is an initiative of the UN. You read more about it hun website.

Text: Eveline van der Jagt, Mammal Association
Photos: Jamie Lebbink (lead photo: beaver with cub); Edwin Giesbers; Dick Becker