Lutra 46(2)_Sluiter_2003

The reintroduction and the present status of the beaver (Castor fiber) in the Netherlands: an overview

The beaver (Castor fiber) was reintroduced to the Netherlands in 1988, in the Biesbosch National Park. In the following years beavers were also introduced in several newly developed nature areas, including the Gelderse Poort, a natural area 100 km upstream from the Biesbosch. Fifteen years later, we see a steadily growing beaver population, living in a still expanding ecological network of traditional nature reserves and newly developed nature areas, especially along the rivers Rhine, Meuse and IJssel. The number of beavers in the Netherlands is estimated at about 200-250 individuals.