The Reasons Why Beavers Are Thriving In Belgium

Beavers were once extinct in Belgium due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Now, the European beaver (Castor fiber) is making a remarkable comeback.

The comeback of the European Beaver

These industrious rodents, sometimes referred to as “nature’s engineers,” are reshaping some of Belgium’s waterways and forests, where they are proving to be both a benefit and a challenge for biodiversity and human activities. This resurgence, from illegal reintroductions to thriving populations, is yet another fascinating story in the natural history of Belgium.

The historical disappearance of beavers in Belgium

Beavers were once a common sight in Europe’s wetlands, including Belgium, until the Middle Ages. However, by the 19th century, their population had been decimated. Beavers were hunted for their prized fur, meat, and castoreum – a fragrant substance used in perfumes. By the mid-1800s, they had disappeared entirely from Belgian rivers and forests.

Reintroduction and expansion

In the late 20th century, efforts to reintroduce the beaver began in Belgium, including an unofficial reintroduction in the Leuven region in the early 2000s. From just 20 illegally released individuals, the population grew rapidly, bolstered by legal reintroduction campaigns. Today, there are estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 beavers in Wallonia, and between 150 and 400 in Flanders. In addition, one has been spotted very recently in Brussels!

Beavers as ecological engineers

Beavers are renowned for their ability to transform landscapes. By constructing dams, they create wetlands that serve as biodiversity hotspots. These habitats benefit numerous species, including amphibians, insects, and birds such as the black stork. Their activities also help to regulate water levels and mitigate the effects of droughts, contributing to healthier ecosystems.

Challenges and resistance

Despite their ecological benefits, beavers can sometimes be problematic neighbors. Their dam-building can flood agricultural lands, damage crops, and alter landscapes in ways that conflict with human activities. Farmers and landowners are among those who sometimes resist their presence. In response, efforts are being made in many places in Belgium to design beaver-friendly riverbanks and minimize conflicts.

Urban beavers

Perhaps the most striking example of their adaptability is the recent presence of a beaver in Brussels. This is the first sighting of a beaver in Brussels in over two centuries. The animal was spotted on the Senne River, a once-hidden waterway uncovered as part of urban revitalization efforts. Its sighting obviously and understandably led to a thrill for the local naturalists:

Signs of beaver presence

Beavers leave unmistakable signs of their activity, making it possible to identify their presence even if the animals themselves remain out of sight. One of the most iconic markers is gnawed tree trunks, where their sharp incisors leave distinctive, cone-shaped cuts. Beavers chew through trees to gather material for their dams and lodges, as well as to access their primary food source – the inner bark.

Another common sign is felled trees near water, often left with smooth, angled stumps:

Additionally, look for dams built from branches, mud, and vegetation in streams or rivers, and lodges constructed as family homes. Freshly stripped sticks and logs floating near shorelines also indicate recent activity.

Footprints, with webbed hind feet and small, clawed forepaws, can sometimes be spotted in muddy areas near their habitats.

Where to see beavers in Belgium

Beavers are notoriously difficult to spot, as most of their activities are conducted at night-time, but the signs of their presence described above can be seen in many places throughout Belgium. These include the Doode Bemde in Neerijse (Flemish Brabant), the Aire de Bilaude observation post (Saint-Hubert forest), Fairy Valley (Achouffe), and Marcourt (near La Roche-en-Ardenne).

The future of beavers in Belgium

In these days when declining species seems to be frequently in the news, hearing about the return of the beaver is refreshingly good news. It’s testament to nature’s resilience and the importance of conservation efforts. However, their continued coexistence with humans requires thoughtful management and education to balance ecological benefits with human needs. But given their numbers, beavers have undoubtedly reclaimed their place as an integral part of Belgium’s environment once more.

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.