Dealing with the Return of Beavers: Navigating the Challenges in Lower Saxony, Germany
Farmers grapple with new challenges due to the reemergence of beavers in their territories. - Beaver's Reemergence Causes Challenges for Agricultural Communities
The comeback of beavers has stirred up problems for agriculturalists in specific parts of Lower Saxony. As an example, Hans-Heinrich Schnehage from Pattensen south of Hannover found himself unable to work certain fields because the beavers had flooded them permanently. Consequently, representatives of the farmers' union in Lower Saxony have advocated for a statewide approach to beaver management that would include compensation for those affected.
Sonja Markgraf, the spokesperson for Landvolk Niedersachsen, commented on the situation to dpa, affirming, "Beaver protection should not come at the expense of agriculture". They expressed a desire for increased focus on finding solutions for beaver management.
Lower Saxony’s Minister of the Environment, Christian Meyer, has announced plans to present a beaver management concept by mid-2025. The strategy will involve beaver experts being active across the state. Meyer pointed out that the beaver's return to Lower Saxony represents a success in species protection, as its presence aids in ecological water development, facilitates water retention, and creates habitats for many endangered fish species[1]. Future plans will grapple with issues and conflicts arising from the beaver's resurgence[1].
It's estimated that the local beaver population is somewhere between 500 to 1,000 animals[1]. Prior to reappearing in Lower Saxony, these industrious rodents had been almost non-existent in the region for nearly 200 years. According to the NABU Lower Saxony, the first beaver seen in the Hannover region was spotted in 2005. Around the year 2012, the first fields and meadows started being flooded by beavers. In 2019, 229 beaver territories and approximately 430 to 500 individual beavers were recorded during the last statewide count[1]. Recent estimates place the population at 500 to 1,000 animals[1]. The next count is scheduled towards the year's end.
Most beavers in Lower Saxony can be found living within the Biosphere Reserve Elbtalaue. Along the Elbe, the Leine, in the Aller-Oker-Drahn area, and in the Emsland, these aquatic engineers have made their homes[1].
Farmer Schnehage has received a new parcel from the district of Hannover for one of his flooded fields, where water buffaloes now graze. Schnehage acknowledges that the beaver itself does not cause harm, but statewide solutions are needed to address problems faced by citizens, businesses, municipalities, or water associations. To that end, a "Round Table Beaver" has been established by the state[1].
Beavers, as water builders, have a positive impact on the natural environment overall. However, in Oldenburg, the strictly protected beavers pose a risk to the security of the dikes due to their dams. In response, the Lower Saxony State Office for Water Management, Coastal Protection, and Nature Conservation (LNWKN) has taken action. The agency aims to lower the water level impounded by the beaver and nutria dams in the Hunte this year. Additional measures consist of removing softwood, which would make the area less appealing for beavers by reducing their food supply[1].
In contrast to the strictly protected beavers, the smaller aquatic animals nutria and muskrats may be hunted. According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, 45,000 nutrias were hunted during the 2023/2024 hunting season, marking an increase of approximately 30% compared to the previous year[1].
State Legislation and Beaver Protection
In Germany, beavers are stringently protected under Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), which forbids harming, capturing, killing, or significantly disturbing beavers, as well as damaging or destroying their breeding and resting sites[1].
Conflict Resolution
Beavers play a significant ecological role by creating wetlands, but their activities like building dams can lead to conflicts, primarily in agricultural areas. Typical issues include waterlogging, flooding of roads, and damage to private property[1][2]. To address those conflicts, management strategies are required that balance conservation and economic interests.
Mitigation Techniques
- Preventative Measures: Wire guards around trees can be installed to prevent beavers from cutting down valuable timber on farmland[2].
- Non-Lethal Control: Authorities promote non-lethal methods like installing flow devices to manage water levels and creating alternatives habitats to minimize human-wildlife conflicts[1].
- Reporting and Intervention: Inhabitants or affected parties are encouraged to report problems or concerns to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority, which can offer guidance and intervene in a way that adheres to the law if necessary[1].
Compensation for Affected Farmers
Although the specifics of compensation schemes for agriculturalists impacted by beaver activities in Lower Saxony are not specified, it is customary for affected landowners to seek help and compensation through local nature conservation authorities or state programs. Compensation may be obtainable for documented damages caused by protected species—however, availability and extent depend on regional regulations and the type of damage (e.g., crop loss, infrastructure damage)[1][2].
Key Points Summary Table
| Aspect | Details ||-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Legal Protection | Strictly protected under Federal Nature Conservation Act[1]. || Main Conflicts | Waterlogging, flooding, tree felling, property damage[1][2]. || Management Strategies | Wire guards, flow devices, alternative habitats, reporting to authorities[1][2]. || Compensation | Varies by region; available through local/state authorities; case-by-case basis[1][2]. |
Further Context
The return of beavers is broadly viewed as ecologically positive, but it engenders new challenges for farmers. To preserve biodiversity while addressing agricultural concerns, proactive management in combination with effective compensation mechanisms is essential[2].
- The beaver's return to Lower Saxony, Germany is a success in species protection as it aids in ecological water development, facilitates water retention, and creates habitats for endangered fish species.
- Farmers in Lower Saxony, such as Hans-Heinrich Schnehage from Pattensen, are facing problems due to the flooding of their fields by beavers.
- The state of Lower Saxony plans to present a beaver management concept by mid-2025, which will involve active participation of beaver experts across the state.
- The local beaver population in Lower Saxony is estimated to be between 500 to 1,000 animals, and most of these aquatic engineers can be found living within the Biosphere Reserve Elbtalaue.
- In contrast to the strictly protected beavers, the smaller aquatic animals nutria and muskrats may be hunted, with around 45,000 nutrias being hunted during the 2023/2024 hunting season.
- Beavers are stringently protected under Section 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act in Germany, which forbids harming, capturing, killing, or significantly disturbing beavers, as well as damaging or destroying their breeding and resting sites.
