Scottish Natural Heritage project catches just one beaver
Plans to capture wild beavers in Tayside are continuing despite little in the way of success so far.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 10.01.11
- Published online : 10.01.11 @ 08.58am
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has captured just one of an estimated 20 beavers in the region after a programme to round up the creatures began in November.
The body is hoping to trap them as they are believed to be a non-indigenous species, with those caught passed on to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland for re-homing.
SNH launched the drive as "a matter of urgency" two months ago but admitted a lack of activity over the festive period has meant little news so far.
A spokesperson said, "There's not much to report at the moment as there's been no trapping over the holiday period.
"The traps have been checked regularly though and we're hoping to get more in this new year."
Confirming just one beaver had been caught so far, Scottish Natural Heritage faces a race against time to capture the remaining rodents with mating season fast approaching.
Stating that no deadline had been made for the completion of the trappings, the spokesperson confirmed the animals would not be disturbed over the spring period, when the females give birth to their young.
"We don't want to put a timeframe on it.
"Trapping can only take place until Easter time as that's when the breeding season starts.
"We don't want to continue then as there may be dependent young so we will be stopping at that point."
While it is thought that up to 20 beavers could be living wild across Tayside, the fact that the animals have not been monitored means that there could be as little as seven.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy Flickr user Paul Stevenson.
10.43am - 10.01.2011 Louise Ramsay - Alyth, Scotland Report This
No, even SNH do not claim they are a non indigenous species. They know fine that the European beaver is native to Scotland and flourished here until hunted out in the 16th century. If you would like to see them left join "Save the Free Beavers of the Tay" on Facebook or sign the petition.
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