Reference point for beaver conservation in the state of Saxony-Anhalt

The Elbe beaver (Castor fiber albicus) is the only autochthon beaver subspecies in Central Europe. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century the beaver’s last refuge was near the middle Elbe (today’s Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve) where a small population of around 200 to 400 were able to survive. Based on the annual data collected by the Beaver Conservation Research Group for Saxony-Anhalt, the Reference Point for Beaver Conservation in Saxony-Anhalt and the Lower Nature Conservation Authority, there is a good prognosis for the development of its numbers. Currently the state has a population of around 2,500 beavers (Heidecke 2011, unpubl.) with 1,200 beavers living on Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. The Elbe beaver is one mammal which Germany is working hard to preserve (Boye 2011).

Since November 2002 the administration at Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve has taken on the role of reference point for beaver conservation in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. This role focuses on the following tasks:

Collecting annual data on beaver population numbers in the state in collaboration with the Beaver Conservation Research Group for Saxony-Anhalt and the Lower Nature Conservation Authority for the districts; handling data on beavers as part of the FFH reporting requirements;

Professional statements on planning and projects in other fields, the rescue and care of injured beavers, the recovery and transfer of dead animals for scientific evaluation, emergency services during flooding for beavers at dykes;

Collaboration with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and local beaver keepers in connection with zoning conflicts affecting beavers as well as consultation and support in implementing practical measures, implementing models of management activities;

Supporting scientifically based resettlement projects of the Elbe beaver in coordination with the Federal Ministry for the Environment and those nature conservation authorities affected;

Organizing excursions and presentations, answering questions pertaining to beaver conservation and management.

Contact:

Department of Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve South
Annett Schumacher
Phone: +49 34904 421119

Department of Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve North
Andreas Berbig
Phone: +49 39321 51832

E-mail: poststelle@mittelelbe.mule.sachsen-anhalt.de

Source: Boye, P. (2011): Prioritäten des Schutzes heimischer Säugetierarten im Rahmen der Nationalen Strategie zur biologischen Vielfalt. – Natur und Landhschaft 86 (1):7-

Links

Information about rescue mounds for beavers and game

1. Monitoring

2. Protection

3. Conflict management

4. Resettlement projects

5. Public relations

Links