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Beaver killer: 80 rodents had to give up their lives for the Oder dykes!
Brandenburg kills 80 protected beavers during the Oder floods to secure dikes. What is behind this drastic measure?
Beaver killer: 80 rodents had to give up their lives for the Oder dykes!
In Brandenburg, drastic measures were taken during the recent floods on the Oder to ensure the stability of the dikes. Despite the protected status of beavers, the authorities were forced to kill around 80 animals. This measure has received mixed reactions but highlights the challenges associated with regulating wildlife in extreme weather.
In the Märkisch-Oderland district alone, 72 beavers were “taken”, whereas in the Oder-Spree district at least nine animals and some nutrias were affected. The reasons for this less than pleasant decision lie primarily in the behavior of the beavers, who often try to find safety on the dikes during floods. There they dig deep tunnels, which can endanger the structural integrity of the dikes.
Regulations and measures
According to the state's beaver regulations, it is permitted to kill beavers to protect dikes during heavy floods. This regulation, which applies in emergency situations, is intended to prevent damage to protective structures. However, the Agriculture Ministry has stressed that the measures are unlikely to have any adverse impact on the beaver population. The ministry's current report estimates that there are between 4,000 and 4,200 beavers living in Brandenburg.
The return of beavers to the region has long been a conservation success after they were previously nearly wiped out. It is believed that stocks have remained stable in recent years and should continue to do so. The ministry spokesman pointed out that the measures taken will not have a negative impact on the conservation status of beavers in the country.
However, the exact consequences of this flood damage still need to be thoroughly investigated. A comprehensive assessment of the damage and its costs is in progress, which has been confirmed by the respective districts and the state level. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what long-term effects the killing of beavers will have on the ecosystems.
More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on www.tag24.de.