Saved from the brink of extinction: European bison and beaver stage incredible comeback
THREATENED species such as European bison and beaver have staged remarkable comebacks thanks to man’s help, a detailed study revealed yesterday.
Others to bounce back include the white-tailed eagle, roe deer and grey seal. Birds such as peregrine falcons and red kites have also recovered either after the banning of pesticides or through reintroduction programmes.
Reduced to 1,200 individual beaver in the wild 100 years ago due to overhunting. But legal protection, hunting restrictions, reintroductions, natural recolonisation, and habitat protection and restoration, have helped beavers stage a “remarkable recovery” over the past 40 years.
They are now established in almost all of its former range, and further increases are likely.
The report was compiled by the Zoological Society of London, BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council in collaboration with experts from across Europe.
That’s right. We did such a good job protecting beaver and bison that they are back everywhere that they belong. You know how you’re always seeing bison everywhere you look. And those two beaver in Scotland and the 26 in Spain. In fact they are SO well recovered that we don’t need one dam more. Better start killing them before take over the world and destroy the place.
I dunno about you but these articles make me tense all over as I wait for what comes next. Much like when the US took bald eagles off the endangered list because of the population in Alaska. Or told everyone that wolves weren’t endangered and now could be shot.
If officials could just bring the right statisticians to the table they could probably prove the Panda recovered.
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The beavers surgery yesterday revealed multiple lacerations and slices in which flies had laid eggs. They treated him and he is on his way to healing. I will keep you posted. And if you didn’t donate yesterday you really should.
Now a treat from a friend. Wickipedia Rick’s son made this smart look at the value of nature in Filoli country estate in San Mateo and its surrounding gardens & woods. At 1.15 it features an interview with Rick and a discussion of his thoughts on the role of ecology in human life. Remember Rick is the lead author on the beaver papers, the founder of the Institute for Historical Ecology, a stalwart beaver defender, an enormous energy burst, and a cancer researcher in his day job. His son has also published a digital guide to the wildlife that you can search here.
Speaking of friends, Malcolm Kenton is the organizer and author from D.C. who maintains the rail website Greater Greater Washington. He is also an avid beaver defender who maintains the facebook page for Beavers: Wetlands and Wildlife and sent us the kit recording from Huntley Meadows. He recently earned a cross country trip and will be stopping in Martinez for a beaver tour Sunday. Unfortunately I can’t be there, but Cheryl will show him around and give him the lay of the land.
In case you need me, this is where I’ll be. (Don’t worry, there’s internet and this view from the hot tub)
