There Are Still Some Beavers In Spain
The presence of beavers in Spain may seem something strange, as if it were one of the many species that invade other ecosystems, however they were present in the Iberian Peninsula up to three centuries ago.
There are two species of beaver in the world: the North American beaver ( Castor canadensis ) and the Eurasian beaver ( Castor fiber ). This European species represented beavers in Spain . It is still present in Russia, Germany, Poland and Scandinavia.
Why have beavers disappeared in Spain?
There were beavers in Spain, just as there were in the rest of Europe, however they suffered heavy persecution. Their meat, in the Middle Ages, was considered edible in the period of Lent.
However, its extinction is more modern and is mainly due to hunting for its fur, used to make clothing. In addition, some parts of the beaver’s body, particularly the glands, are used for the production of perfumes, medicines, and even food supplements.
In this way, the beaver was used to enhance the aroma of vanilla and strawberry, for the production of ice cream, to flavor cigars and even had functions in beekeeping. Later, these functions were performed by man-made artificial products.
Are there still beavers in Spain?
Curiously, the answer is yes: there are still some beavers in Spain. An illegal release of 18 German beavers in 2003 was impossible to stop.
We say impossible to stop because the beaver is considered an invasive species. This small colony is located in the Ebro and is free of vaccinations, veterinary checks and authorizations.
It was possible to notice their presence only when, in the Ebro River, the classic signs of their presence were found. In fact, only man and beaver are able to cut trees and build dams.
There are records and historical documents that trace the presence of the beaver back to Cervantes, the Romans, up to the naturalist Konrad von Gesner, bringing the presence of the beaver up to the year 1583.
Data from 2018 indicate that around 100 beavers have spread over several kilometers of the river and there is the possibility of a stable presence of the species in Aragon, Navarre and La Rioja.
Can beavers be useful for humans?
The beaver is not just a cute and curious animal. Just like many other animals, it integrates with the biodiversity that surrounds it, increases it. The greater the biodiversity, the more stable the ecosystem is and this can be a benefit for humans.
The variations that beavers cause to the rivers can create real lakes and swamps, places suitable for the development of other animal species.
In particular, the bittern seems to benefit greatly from the works of the beaver.
For this reason, the return of beavers to Spain should not be seen as just any accident or anecdote: beavers can help recover wetlands by creating basins even where there is irresponsible water consumption.
