The beaver: An ecological superstar we should bring to this country

Eoghan Daltun makes the case for introducing beavers to Ireland — he says these 'gorgeous creatures' could help make ecosystems more resilient

Beavers are monogamous creatures but family groups can consist of 10 or more individuals, requiring several lodges

Beavers are a classic example of what ecologists call ‘ecosystem engineers’. By damming rivers beavers shape environments, creating the extremely dynamic conditions for a vast suite of native species to thrive. 

Their dams also filter pollutants from the water, and, given that the number of ‘pristine’ rivers in Ireland has fallen from 500 in the 1980s to a mere 20 today, this couldn’t be more badly needed. The presence of these strict vegetarians (the mistaken belief that beavers eat fish is common) also reduces flooding downstream by up to 60%, while keeping habitats moist during droughts.