Unravelling perceptions of Eurasian beaver reintroduction in Great Britain

Abstract

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines state that anticipated impacts must be considered in wildlife reintroduction, including the impacts on humans. Further, since reintroduction projects can be halted by resulting human-wildlife conflicts or human-human conflicts about wildlife, the perceptions of stakeholders and publics are of great importance. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction is being debated in Great Britain at a devolved level. A decision has already been taken in Scotland to allow beavers already present to remain, while a number of reintroduction trials are taking place in England (both fenced and unfenced). There are also proposals for a reintroduction trial in Wales.We use a sub-set of results from a nationwide survey (n = 2,759) to identify four social areas that we propose decision-makers should consider in the debate: key stakeholder perceptions; engagement methods; attitudes towards legal protection and management responsibilities; and support for management techniques. In this paper, we investigate the complex social dimensions of wildlife reintroduction and we argue that emphasis should be placed on the need to recognise societal perceptions of potential management solutions, beyond perceptions of reintroduction itself. This is paramount in order to develop a management strategy that is more likely to garner social support and reduce potential future conflicts, should beaver reintroduction proceed. K E Y W O R D SEurasian beaver, Great Britain, human-wildlife conflict, perceptions, reintroduction, survey

Modelling Eurasian beaver foraging habitat and dam suitability, for predicting the location and number of dams throughout catchments in Great Britain

“…However, it should also be noted that many humanwildlife conflicts that result from beaver activity result from factors other than dam construction. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, tree felling, burrowing and herbivory on crops (Auster et al 2019;Campbell-Palmer et al 2016;Crowley et al 2017;Gaywood et al 2015). Whilst aspects of this modelling work may help to build understanding on the distribution of such impacts, it cannot be used to explicitly identify where this activity is more likely.…”

“…Beaver reintroduction and recolonisation across Europe provides opportunities for conservation and provision of ecosystem services (de Visscher et al 2014;Law et al 2016;Puttock et al 2017Puttock et al , 2018. However, for the species to coexist with humans, particularly in densely populated and intensively managed landscapes, informed policy and management is required (Auster et al 2019;Crowley et al 2017;Gaywood et al 2015). This should be based on a strong understanding of where beaver are likely to be active, where dam impacts/opportunities occur and how many dams may be expected in a catchment.…”

“…Beaver activities can also cause human-wildlife conflict where valuable infrastructure or land use is impacted (Auster et al 2019;Crowley et al 2017;Gaywood et al 2015). Many conflicts can be managed to minimise damage whilst addressing animal welfare considerations and delivering aforementioned benefits (Campbell-Palmer et al 2016).…”

Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction

“…In reintroductions, however, practical conflicts with a specific species do not yet exist as the animal is not yet present, though theoretical conflicts over the principles of reintroduction may occur prior to reintroduction. Conflicts should be anticipated proactively (Auster, Puttock, and Brazier 2020) as projects may be more likely to fail where conflicts are significant (IUCN & SSC 2013;Perring et al 2015;Sutton 2015;Lopes-Fernandes and Frazão-Moreira 2017). For example, a proposal to reintroduce lynx (Lynx lynx) was rejected by the UK Government in 2018.…”

“…The response from a wildlife manager needs to be appropriate from the stakeholders' point of view if conflict is to be reduced or avoided rather than escalated (Treves, Wallace, and White 2009;Decker et al 2014Decker et al , 2015Decker et al , 2016. However, in a previous nationwide attitudinal survey which explored public perceptions of beaver reintroduction (Auster, Puttock, and Brazier 2020), the majority of respondents indicated they did not feel they could express their opinion where it may influence decision-making and 'engagement methods' were identified as one of four key elements that require consideration in reintroduction projects.…”