'Major milestone' as beavers released into Loch Ness area
Summary
A family of six beavers has been released at the Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston, in the Loch Ness catchment. The Ness Beaver Project plans to release at least 15 family groups around Loch Ness over three years, aiming to help beaver populations grow and create wetlands and other habitats.Key Facts
- The family includes a mother, two juveniles about two years old, and three young born earlier this year.
- The animals were relocated from elsewhere in Scotland, where they had affected prime agricultural land and mitigation had not worked or was not possible.
- NatureScot approved the release and licensed Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust to carry it out.
- The last widely cited historical record of beavers around Loch Ness dates to 1526–1527.
- Scotland began reintroducing beavers in 2009, after the species had been hunted to extinction there about 400 years ago.
- The River Ness catchment was identified by NatureScot in 2022 as a suitable area for beavers.
- More than 73% of respondents to the applicants’ consultation supported the project.
- Beavers can build dams and dig channels that create pools and wetlands; on smaller streams, dams can slow water flow and trap sediment.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
