National 'route map' strategy to boost beaver numbers in Perth and Kinross and beyond is published

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A national strategy has been published setting out what has been described as a “route map” for beavers Perth and Kinross and beyond over the coming decades.

The development of ‘Scotland’s Beaver Strategy 2022-45’ has involved more than 50 stakeholder organisations and is designed to steer wider efforts to identify and actively expand the population of the animals to new catchment areas, alongside appropriate management and mitigation, following the Scottish Government’s change in policy to encourage wider beaver restoration.It sets out plans to maximise the environmental and wider benefits of beavers, while minimising negative impacts through effective management and mitigation.The strategy highlights the need for ongoing research and monitoring of the beaver population and its effects to inform and improve management as the population expands, using existing and new techniques and technologies.The document was developed under a process designed and led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG).It included representatives from NatureScot, the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Land and Estates and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, among others.The process has resulted in a new Scottish Beaver Advisory Group, which will now work to help take the strategy forward.Jamie Copsey, a facilitator for the strategy, said: “It is great to be part of such a national effort, bringing together diverse needs and interests to agree on a common way forward for such an emotive species as the Eurasian beaver.“Scotland is modelling the way for collaborative biodiversity restoration efforts globally.”Francesca Osowska, chief