Scandal around top chef Stiegl: Biber as a delicacy in focus!

Scandal around top chef Stiegl: Biber as a delicacy in focus!

Werkraumhaus Bregenzerwald, 6863 Egg, Österreich - Max Stiegl, a renowned Austrian top chef and in 2021 by Gault & Millau voted “Koch of the Year”, provides excitement with a controversial Instagram video. In this he shows a dead beaver and emphasizes that the preparation of the animal should draw attention to the sustainable utilization of food. The reactions to the video are split; While some users show compassion with the animal and question the killing, there are also positive feedback from those who express interest in the beaver meat. Stiegl explained that he prefers living beavers, but that they can damage in some regions through their activities.

He emphasizes that the resettlement of the beavers has been so successful since the 1960s that management for withdrawal was superior. Stiegl advocates using the animals respectfully instead of simply disposing of them. On March 29, he will be present with his concept "Sautanz" in the Bregenzerwald workroom house, where two Bregenzerwald are broken down and processed.

the beaver as a key type

The beaver (Castor Fiber), the largest representative of the rodents in Europe, plays a central role in our ecosystem. As a master builder in meadow landscapes, he changes his surroundings through the construction of insulation and thus creates new habitats for many species. These dams regulate the water level and are crucial for biodiversity. They build up water and create wetlands that offer habitat for amphibians, fish, insects and birds.

The beaver has dense fur, strong incisors that grow and allow them to fall trees for a lifetime, which often leads to conflicts of interest when agricultural areas are affected. In such cases, nature conservation associations and authorities rely on beaver management programs to minimize damage and provide compensation payments for farmers. These management strategies are particularly important because the return of the beaver significantly increases biodiversity in many regions and contributes to the positive change of the landscape.

a controversial topic

The discussion about the preparation of beaver meat impressively shows how much the beaver polarizes. While Stiegl is promoting a respectful use of the animals, there is an emotional debate about the protection status of beavers and their role in nature. The return of the beavers is celebrated as a success in the renaturation, but these positive aspects are contrasting with the damage they can cause in agricultural areas. A balanced management will be essential to protect both the preservation of this key type and the interests of those affected.

For many, the beaver remains a controversial figure: on the one hand a symbol of the natural restoration of our landscapes, on the other hand an impetus for conflicts in land use. The continuous dialogue about dealing with this animal is crucial for the future of our ecosystems and relationships between humans and nature.