The beaver news world yesterday was abuzz with reports of release of 2 beavers into an enclosed park in Yorkshire so that their effects on flooding and biodiversity can be studied. It’s a very calculated 5-year project that will be carefully researched. It’s a giant step forward for beavers, but I can’t help but feel a little cynical.
It’s like ‘letting cinderella’ work tirelessly for you for free and then checking to see how much she got accomplished!
Beavers released in Yorkshire anti-flooding trial
Two beavers have been introduced into a Yorkshire forest in an effort to naturally manage water flows. The pair of Eurasian beavers will be monitored to see how they affect the landscape and whether their actions can help prevent flooding.
The five-year Forestry England project will check if the creatures maintain dams and boost biodiversity.The beavers, called “natural habitat engineers” by ecologists, will live in a large secured area.
Sure they’re “called” engineers. But just because someone calls you something doesn’t me you are that. My mom calls me good looking. What can these rodents actually DO for us?
During their time in Yorkshire, the beavers will be monitored in their 10-hectare enclosure to see how they interact with artificial dams in place in Cropton Forest on the North York Moors. Scientists say this project, which will see beavers eventually released in other locations, is the first time the effect the species has on artificial dams has been studied.
“We are looking forward to seeing the beavers settle into their new home and are very interested to watch how they impact on the water flow and surrounding ecology.”
Forestry England’s Alan Eves said: “Today’s landmark occasion sees the introduction of a cornerstone species that has been absent from our landscape for over 300 years.
They did NOT say that.
You got the quote wrong. Beavers aren’t a CORNERSTONE species. What does that even mean? There are no cornerstone species. Sheesh. I expect more from the BBC. Robert Paine is rolling in his grave right about now. In fact if you GOOGLE cornerstone species this very moment the only thing that comes up on the entire internet is this article and the phrase KEYSTONE species.
Which is what you meant. And what a good editor would have corrected if they were paying attention. Hrmph.
They were close enough right? There was some kind of STONE involved, and it had to do with architecture. Besides these rats have been extinct for 400 years. How are we supposed to know what kind of stone they are?
Keystone, cornerstone, beaver, nutria. It’s all the same thing, right?
I’d never even seen that newsreel before. English raising nutria on purpose! I guess that went very well. Especially when you realized their fur was worthless and they destroyed your farm. But if you watch further they talk about beaver release in Idaho, and not even in parachutes! People used to know better.
This video was posted yesterday by Breanna Angel of Vermont Wildlife Now. Turn your sound up an get ready for an adventure. because this should be where every hike ends up.
