Biber rescue in Burgenland: New home for threatened family created!

Biber rescue in Burgenland: New home for threatened family created!

burgenländische Gemeinde, Österreich - On April 7, 2025, a beaver family with seven members from a Burgenland community was successfully moved. This measure was the result of close cooperation between Tierschutz Austria and the ecological hunting association Austria . The relocation prevented the impending killing of the animals, which were originally endangered by a decision to remove the beavers from a nearby reservoir.

Michaela Lehner, head of the law office law at Tierschutz Austria, emphasized the need to protect these animals worth protecting from destruction. The commitment to the beavers began over a year ago and finally resulted in intensive planning for the resettlement. This took place in coordination with the municipality and the chairman of the ecological hunting association, Franz Puchegger, who personally took over the transports of the beaver to the national park and made more than 270 kilometers.

The role of the beaver in ecosystems

beaver are of great importance as central builders in floodplain landscapes. Due to their habilitated water structure, they create new habitats for many types and are therefore a key species that contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. Like the NatureFund , they regulate the water level by building dams that offer them habitat not only for themselves, but also for many other animal and plant species.

Such a new home for the relocated beavers will help create a valuable wetland that promotes amphibian life. The return of beavers in Germany and other regions has already led to an increase in biodiversity and has changed the landscape positively. In contrast to costly human interventions, the beaver creates these habitats free of charge.

criticism of politics and future prospects

The successful resettlement in Burgenland shows that animal and environmentally friendly alternatives to kill wild animals are quite possible. Nevertheless, there is criticism of politics that does not adequately promote sustainable solutions. While 740 beavers were released in Carinthia annually, better management and more public education about the benefits of beavers for our ecosystems could lead to a more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.

The work of animal protection Austria and the ecological hunting association Austria is a positive example of the successful cooperation between authorities and NGOs. It shows that the commitment to protect the beavers not only saves their lives, but also important steps for the preservation of intact ecosystems can be taken. Further information on the role of the beaver in the biodiversity crisis can be found in a new report by the wwf .