Across Europe, species that once disappeared have returned thanks to conservation programs and the gradual recovery of ecosystems. The European beaver is officially back in Portugal after more than five centuries of absence. The confirmation was provided by the non-profit organization Rewilding Portugal, which recorded visual evidence of the presence of this animal near the border, at a moment considered historic for nature conservation, but which also raises concerns in the agricultural sector.
The last known record of beavers in national territory dates back, apparently, to the end of the 15th century. Since then, the species has disappeared due to intensive hunting and the continued destruction of its natural habitat.
Now, after around two decades of population expansion in Spain, clear signs of the presence of this animal in Portugal are finally emerging. Gnaw marks on trees, small changes in watercourses and records obtained through phototrapping cameras made it possible to confirm, in video and photography, the presence of a young adult individual in Portuguese territory.
A long-announced return
In 2023, the newspaper Expresso had already reported that the beaver was just 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 only be a matter of time.
However, the preparation that had been requested from the competent authorities ended up not being implemented, which raises fears about the ability to respond to potential conflicts with farmers and local populations.
“We have been paying attention to this development for some years now and it is with great enthusiasm that we confirm this return. The beaver is a natural ally in restoring the health of our rivers and wetlands”, said Pedro Prata, coordinator of Rewilding Portugal.
A natural engineer
The beaver is often described as a true “engineer” of ecosystems. Their instinctive behavior of building dams, digging canals and modifying river banks profoundly transforms the landscape, promoting greater diversity, water retention and life, according to the same source.
The dams created by beavers create small wetlands and marshes that serve as habitats for amphibians, waterfowl, insects, fish and smaller mammals. Furthermore, these areas act as natural water filters, retaining pollutants and sediments.
Relevance in a country in drought
By raising the water table, beavers increase the availability of water in the soil, an increasingly relevant factor in a country affected by prolonged droughts and desertification processes. Its dams accumulate water during the rainiest 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 humid areas slow the spread of fire and offer refuge to several species during critical periods.
This set of benefits makes the beaver a key species in combating climate change and protecting riverside ecosystems, at a time when Portugal is facing multiple environmental challenges.
Coexistence Challenges
Despite the benefits, the presence of the beaver can cause impacts on riverside plantations or some human infrastructure. For this reason, international experience shows that coexistence requires information, planning and dialogue with local communities.
In Sweden, financial compensation programs have been implemented for farmers affected by flooding. In Germany, so-called “Beaver Managers” emerged, specialized technicians who regulate water levels without destroying dams. In France, awareness campaigns have promoted the importance of the species and presented practical solutions to reduce conflicts.
In Portugal, the guarantor alerted the authorities in good time to the need to prepare for this return, but so far no official measures have been announced. The second national rewilding congress, scheduled for this autumn in the Douro region, will have the beaver as the central topic of debate.
A historic landmark
The arrival of this animal in Portugal is seen as a historic moment for nature conservation. In a context of climate crisis and accelerated biodiversity loss, it represents a clear sign of the resilience of wildlife.
Also know, as a curiosity, that an adult beaver is capable of felling up to 200 trees per year with just its teeth, which never stop growing throughout their lives and are naturally reinforced with iron, which gives them their characteristic orange color.
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