Across Europe, species that once disappeared have returned thanks to conservation initiatives and the recovery of natural habitats. The European beaver is officially back in Portugal after more than five centuries of absence. The confirmation was made by the non-profit organization, which recorded visual evidence of the presence of this animal close to 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 Portuguese territory probably dates back to the end of the 15th century. Since then, the species has disappeared due to intensive hunting and the gradual 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 waterlines and records from phototrapping cameras made it possible to confirm in video and photography the presence of a young adult individual in national territory.
A long-announced return
In 2023, the newspaper Expresso had already revealed 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.
That prediction has now been confirmed. However, the preparation requested from the competent authorities did not end up happening, which raises concerns about the ability to respond to potential conflicts with farmers and local communities.
“We have been paying attention to this advance for a few years and it is with great enthusiasm that we confirm this return. The beaver is a natural ally in recovering the health of our rivers and wetlands”, said Pedro Prata, coordinator of Rewilding Portugal.
A natural engineer
The beaver is considered a true ecosystem “engineer”. Their instinctive behavior of building dams, digging canals and altering river banks profoundly transforms the landscape, bringing greater diversity, water retention and life, according to the same source.
The dams created by beavers create small wetlands and flooded areas that serve as habitats for amphibians, water birds, insects, fish and smaller mammals. Furthermore, these areas act as natural water filters, retaining pollutants and sediments.
By reducing the speed of surface runoff, these structures further mitigate the effects of flooding and erosion. These are ecological services that, as the same source highlights, “no modern technology can replicate with the same efficiency, without costs and without bureaucracy”.
Relevance in a country in drought
By raising the water table, beavers increase the availability of water in the soil, something increasingly relevant in a country affected by prolonged droughts and desertification. Its dams store water during the wettest 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 stop 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 several environmental challenges.
Rewilding in action
The concept of rewilding, or renaturalization, has gained prominence as a strategy to restore ecosystems through the return of key species. The beaver is singled out as one of the most obvious examples of this approach in Europe.
Coexistence Challenges
Despite the benefits, the presence of beavers can cause impacts on riverine plantations or human infrastructure. Therefore, the experience of other countries shows that coexistence requires information, planning and dialogue with local communities.
In Sweden, financial compensation programs have been created for farmers affected by flooding. In Germany, “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, Rewilding Portugal claims to have alerted the authorities in time to the need to prepare for this return, but so far there have been no official measures. 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 wildlife resilience.
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