SNH beaver capture programme halted after solitary success
The body behind a controversial plan to recapture wild beavers in Tayside has called time on the project — having caught just one animal in four months.
The project has provoked strong opposition.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 30.03.11
- Published online : 30.03.11 @ 12.49pm
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has ended a trapping trial in the region while a decision on whether or not further measures will be taken remains undecided.
SNH launched the project in November "as a matter of urgency" with around 20 beavers thought to be living wild throughout the area. Having stated an intention to stop trapping at the onset of spring as the animals begin to breed, it has now announced a halt to the programme.
"Now that our trapping trial has ended in Tayside, we are taking time to assess the results, speak to all those involved and then decide what to do in the future," said a statement.
"At SNH, we have been a driving force to explore if conditions are right in Scotland to reintroduce beavers.
"There are many benefits to bringing them back but we also need to understand how they will affect other wildlife and land uses. Because of this, we are supporting a carefully monitored trial taking place in Knapdale, Argyll.
"The information gathered from Knapdale will give the Scottish Government the information it needs to decide if beavers should be brought back to Scotland."
The plan to trap the beavers met strong opposition with a Facebook campaign attracting over 1000 supporters around the world.
02.12am - 31.03.2011 Jeremy Goodwin - Houston, USA Report This
One beaver in 5 months, my local guy in Texas gets 5 a day and he has a territory larger than Scotland to cover.
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