Ecologists ecstatic as beaver makes historic return to Portugal after last being spotted in the 1500s
Having been extinct for centuries, one of the largest rodents in the world returns to Portugal after 500 years, and the country’s ecologists can’t keep calm. Rewilding Portugal shared footage of a beaver crossing the country's border with Spain. According to the Portugal News, Spain spent two decades recovering the animal's population, and its proximity to Portugal allowed the beaver to make a historic return.
Portugal last spotted beavers in the 15th century. Its recent arrival has given hope that the nation will now effectively change its disposition of drought and desertification into an abundance of lush green wildlife. Rewilding Portugal confirmed the beavers’ return to the country when their cameras captured scratches on trees, the falling of branches, and the manipulation of water structures. It was in 2023 that the beaver was first spotted just 150 meters away from Portugal. The outlet mentioned that the conservation organization alerted the government of its return and requested authorities to prepare a peaceful coexisting policy and rules for tribal people beforehand.
Beavers are natural engineers of a healthy ecosystem. They are capable of building natural dams that turn into wetlands that are inhabited by fish, birds, and insects. These wetlands are therefore responsible for reducing soil erosion, maintaining water quality, and preserving wildlife. The current dry environment of Portugal marks the dire need for this animal in the country. Pedro Patra, animal conservationist, emphasized that the beavers are capable of change that no modern equipment can replicate. "The beaver improves water quality, creates refuges for other species, and helps us combat phenomena such as drought and fires," he asserted.
The World Wildlife Organization claimed that these beavers are widely divided into two kinds, Eurasian and North American. The organization mentioned earlier in Europe, the demand for these animals’ fur was skyrocketing for creating luxury clothes, and therefore these animals were trapped and exported for commercial use, which led to their dramatic decrease. This trade was common between America and Europe. However, with continuous efforts by ecologists in raising awareness, the plummeting population bounced back.
Today, North America is home to 10-15 million beavers. In the latest Stanford Report, it is explicitly mentioned how beaver dams are countering the hotter and drier environment of the West USA, completely naturally, without any intervention of technology. The climate in the Western American region has turned hotter and drier, but the water retention activities carried out by beavers are helping people cope with the massive temperatures, and its population is also booming in the region. Who knew that these stout, furry animals could become natural solutions to modern-day problems? Such reports bind us to think and reflect on the significance of these animals in maintaining a healthy environment. It is high time that we start reciprocating and restricting our animal-affecting actions, including slaughtering for food and fur, to lead a peaceful, coexisting life.