In various parts of Europe, once missing species have returned thanks to conservation and ecosystem recovery efforts. The European beaver is officially back in Portugal after more than five centuries of absence. Confirmation came through the non -profit organization Rewilding Portugal, which recorded visual evidence of this animal’s presence by the border, at a time considered historical for nature conservation, but also generates concerns in the agricultural sector.
The last known record of beaten in Portuguese territory probably dates back to the late fifteenth century. Since then, the animal has disappeared due to intensive hunting and progressive destruction of its natural habitat.
Now, after two decades of population expansion in Spain, unequivocal signs of this animal’s presence in Portugal are finally unmistakable. Trees’s rings, small changes in watercourses and records of photoharmony chambers allowed to confirm in video and photography the presence of a young adult individual in the national territory.
A long -announced return
By 2023, the Express newspaper had already revealed that the beaver was only 150 meters from the border, with consistent records in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, near Miranda do Douro. At the time, Rewilding Portugal warned that the return would be just a matter of time.
This forecast has been realized now. However, the preparation that was requested from the competent entities did not happen, which raises fears about the ability to respond to potential conflicts with farmers and local communities.
“We were aware of this advance for a few years and it is with enormous enthusiasm that we confirmed this return. The beaver is a natural ally in the health recovery of our rivers and humid areas,” said Pedro Prata, coordinator of Rewilding Portugal.
A NATURE ENGINEER
The beaver is considered a true “engineer” of ecosystems. His instinctive behavior of erecting dams, digging channels and changing river margins deeply transforms the landscape, bringing more diversity, water retention and life, according to the same source.
The dams created by the belands give rise to small wet and wolf zones that act as habitats for amphibians, waterfowls, insects, fish and smaller mammals. In addition, these areas act as natural water filters, retaining pollutants and sediments.
By reducing the speed of runoff, these structures also mitigate the effects of floods and erosion. These are ecological services that, as the same source underlines, “no modern technology can replicate with the same efficiency, without cost and without bureaucracies.”
Relevance in a country in drought
By raising the water level, the belands increase the availability of water in soils, something increasingly relevant in a country beaten by prolonged droughts and desertification. Its dams store water during the most wet months and release it gradually throughout the year.
According to the same source, there is also evidence that the areas created by this species function as natural barriers against forest fires. Permanently wet areas break the advance of fire and offer refuge to various species during critical periods.
This set of benefits makes the beaver a key species in the fight against climate change and the protection of riverside ecosystems, at a time when Portugal faces multiple environmental challenges.
Rewilding in Action
The concept of Rewilding, or Renaturaization, has gained prominence as a strategy for restoring ecosystems through the return of key species. The beaver is named as one of the lightest examples of this approach in Europe.
Coexistence challenges
Despite the benefits, the presence of the beaver can have impacts on riverside plantations or human infrastructures. Therefore, the experience of other countries shows that coexistence requires information, planning and dialogue with local communities.
In Sweden, financial compensation programs were created for flood -affected farmers. In Germany, the “Beaver Managers” emerged, specialized technicians who regulate water levels without destroying the dams. In France, awareness campaigns have promoted the importance of the species and presented practical solutions to reduce conflict.
In Portugal, he claims to have warned the authorities to prepare this return to prepare this return, but so far there have been no official measures. The second National Congress of Rewilding, scheduled for this fall in the Douro region, will have the beaver as a central debate theme.
A HISTORY FILM
The arrival of this animal to Portugal is seen as a historic moment for the conservation of nature. In a context of climate crisis and accelerated biodiversity loss, it represents a sign of wildlife resilience.
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