KNOWLEDGE BASE

Numerous Eurasian beaver translocations in Britain had occurred without standardised health screening. This study assessed three populations, some from official releases and some from unofficial releases. The results showed all were in good health and without disease. The authors suggest that, whilst official reintroduction programmes may seem complex, they help manage reputational damage and the health-screening process benefits the welfare of beavers.

This paper studied 4 different sites in England where beavers have been reintroduced. It analysed over 1,000 storm events, before and after reintroduction, to see whether beavers affected flood patterns. The results showed that beavers, in the biggest storms, reduced the likelihood of flooding - especially flash flooding. The authors conclude that this evidence shows that beavers could help with natural flood management.

This research builds on a previous meta-analysis to reveal three contrasting perspectives amongst anglers, beaver-accepting, beaver-apprehensive and managed-beaver. These each have different values of high important, from potential biodiversity and ecosystem benefits, to the tradition and health benefits of fishing while beaver reintroduction could affect the ability of fishing to continue and finally a hybrid of these values provided that there is the ability to manage potential negative impacts respectively.

In the Czech Republic, beavers now live in agricultural landscapes as well as forested landscapes. This study sought to understand beavers' impact on farming production. Beavers liked eating oilseed rape mostly but also grazed on wheat and barley. The authors calculate that the damage is worth around €20–30 per beaver per year: a "relatively insignificant" impact on agriculture but important to beavers' survival in such a different landscape.

This article has a European focus but considers both Eurasian and North American species. The review investigates and summarises how beavers affect ecosystem structure, hydrology, water quality, freshwater ecology and society. Future considerations for managing beavers' expansion are discussed to maximise their benefits and minimise conflicts.