Wales Plans Legal Protection Classification for Native Beavers

The Welsh Government has announced plans to legally recognize European beavers as a native and protected species, aligning with protections already in place in England and Scotland. This change will make it illegal to harm beavers or their habitats and is part of a broader effort to leverage beavers' ecological benefits, such as improving water quality by filtering pollutants and creating natural flood defenses through their dam-building activities. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasized the importance of this move in addressing climate and nature emergencies, while also committing to a collaborative and evidence-led approach involving the establishment of a Wales Beaver Forum to manage concerns related to species impact, land use, and water systems. The initiative has strong support from local politicians like Joyce Watson, who highlighted beavers as "eco-engineers" vital for restoring habitats and biodiversity, and stressed the need for sustainable management and funding. Natural Resources Wales will oversee licensing for any beaver releases and manage potential adverse impacts, balancing ecological benefits with concerns from landowners and other stakeholders. Overall, the reintroduction and protection of beavers are seen as crucial steps toward enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity in Wales.