After eight long years of solitude, The most isolated beaver in Switzerland has finally found a partner. The news, released by the office for the hunting and fishing of the canton grays, has rekindled the hopes for the repopulation of this species, which for centuries has been the victim of the intensive hunting.
The story of this beaver is that of a pioneer, a lone explorer who has chosen to live in theHigh Engadinethe highest inhabited valley in Europe. For eight years, he was the only specimen of his species in this area, an isolated existence at 1700 meters above sea level. But his perseverance has been rewarded: a duties of beaver has finally reached its territory, bringing with him the promise of a new generation.
The arrival of the partner is an event of great meaning for the conservation of the European beaver (Castor Fiber), a species that risked extinction. In Swissthe beaver had disappeared at the beginning of the nineteenth century, while in other parts of Europe its absence had lasted for almost 500 years. The main cause of this disappearance was hunting, powered by the request for fur and meat.
Fortunately, in recent decades the beaver has returned to populate the European rivers and lakes, thanks to reintroduction programs and the protection of the species. In Switzerland, the population of Castori has reached almost 5,000 specimens, an encouraging sign for the future of these animals.
The history of the bullshit of the upper Engadine reminds us that nature is resilient and that, with the right support, the species can recover. However, the road to full recovery is still long and full of challenges.
In the case of the beavers of the Engadine, the authorities will carefully monitor the couple to check if a lasting link will form and if puppies are born. Time holds, in fact the male has reached ten years of age, a remarkable milestone for a beaver, but that reduces the time useful for reproduction.
The return of beaver to Europe is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of protecting biodiversity. Every single individual, like the solitary beaver of the Engadine, has a crucial role in the balance of ecosystems.
