Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go ahead for the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) application to reintroduce the mammals on a trial basis to Knapdale, Argyll.

Michael Russell said, "This is an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond.

"The beaver was hunted to extinction in this country in the 16th century and I am delighted that this wonderful species will be making a comeback.

"They are charismatic, resourceful little mammals and I fully expect their reappearance in Knapdale to draw tourists from around the British Isles – and even further afield."

First formal reintroduction of a native mammal

Allan Bantick, Chair of the Scottish Beaver Trial Steering Group said, "This is a historic moment for wildlife conservation. The Scottish Government has now given the go ahead for the first-ever formal reintroduction of a native mammal into the wild in the UK. Beavers have been extinct in Scotland for over 400 years and they are well known for their positive impact on habitats and conditions for other species. By bringing these useful creatures back to their native environment we will have the chance to restore a missing part of our wetland ecosystems and re-establish much needed natural processes."

David Windmill, Chief Executive of the RZSS said, "This is excellent news. It is a strong and visible sign of the Scottish Government’s commitment to carrying out conservation in Scotland and re-building our depleted biodiversity. This will engage more people with Scottish wildlife and habitat conservation which we believe will also bring economic benefit for rural communities."

The trial reintroduction proposes that beavers will be captured in Norway in autumn 2008, placed in quarantine for six months and then three to four families will be released in spring 2009. The release will be followed by a five year period of monitoring, which will run until spring 2014.

What do you think about other mammal reintroductions?

Now that the go-ahead has been given for the reintroduction of the European beaver to Scotland, do you think other mammal reintroductions will follow? When we asked you for your opinions on the beaver reintroduction in Trial beaver reintroduction proposed we got some really positive responses. But what do you think about the reintroduction of other mammals such as wolves?

We recently had a comment added to Landowner calls for reintroduction of wolves in favour of such a move. Many interesting issues were raised in the BBC's recent television programme 'Moose in the Glen', which followed Paul Lister planning to 're-wild' his Highland estate including bringing back animals such as moose and wild boar. You can read about the programme and watch video clips here. Let us know what you think about the reintroduction of mammals to rural Scotland by adding a comment to this article.

Related articles

• Read results of  a local consultation on reintroduction of beavers
• Beavers back in Argyll?
• Trial beaver reintroduction proposed
• Landowner calls for reintroduction of wolves
• Re-introduction of lynx and wolf survey results

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