This best practice manual formed the basis for the diploma thesis "Beaver Management in the Styrian Enns Valley" by Julia Holzmüller and Alexandra Golesch from class 5a, supervised by Mag. Verena Mayer. The thesis dealt with the scientific mapping of beaver populations in the Enns Valley, the analysis of an opinion poll intended, among other things, to correct circulating misconceptions about beavers, and proposals for management measures.
This diploma thesis was awarded third place at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein.
The Styrian Enns Valley as a habitat for the beaver
The Styrian Enns River offers optimal habitats for beavers in several places, not only due to the abundance of food but also because of its slow flow rate. Beaver populations have been documented in Stein an der Enns, Niederöblarn, Gstatterboden, and Altenmarkt. The beaver population is increasing, and this growing spread correlates with the potential for conflict, which can complicate coexistence between the local population and the animals.
Mapping of beaver populations in the Enns Valley
Using a specially designed beaver survey form from apodemus and the GPS app "Locus Map", various beaver territories were examined and documented for new traces.
A relatively new territory has been found in Niederöblarn (St. Martin am Grimming). The latest beaver traces were recorded and mapped there as part of a diploma thesis.
Mayer Verena, Mag.
former research assistants- Signs of feeding damage on trees and trunks can lead to forestry damage or even pose a danger to people if damaged trunks along paths become unstable.
- Passages beneath paths and fields can cause the ground above to collapse.
- The eating of crops is a rather negligible problem and the economic damage is rather small.
Measures
- When using land for agriculture and forestry, a distance of five meters to the water body must be maintained, as approximately 90% of conflicts with beavers occur in this zone.
- Fencing off trees and fields is also an effective protective measure. Sheet pile walls or grids, which have proven particularly effective in Romania, are suitable for protecting flood dikes with underground passages.
- Removing beaver lodges should only be considered as a last resort; destroying beaver lodges only causes greater damage, as the beaver will then build a new home.
- The beaver is strictly protected by the FFH Directive, which prohibits any regulation of its population.
Results of the online survey
The survey included participants from all Austrian federal states. It revealed that few people are aware of beaver premiums and compensation payments, and that damage caused by beavers in certain regions receives little to no support, which in turn leads to further conflicts. The survey also uncovered many misconceptions, such as the claim that beavers also eat fish. Raising awareness is therefore crucial to minimizing conflicts.
More details about the conflicts, precise descriptions of the measures and the complete results of the survey and mapping can be found in the diploma thesis.
For further questions: Mayer Verena, Mag. BEd.
Mayer Renate, DI
Acquisition
Fig. 1: Signs of feeding activity in Gstatterboden Fig. 2: Beaver population in St. Martin
