Global experts gather in Inverness as UK hosts beaver conference for first time
Beaver experts from 23 countries gathered in Inverness this week for a major international conference to advance shared understanding of the species and its role in ecosystem restoration.
More than 150 delegates attended the 10th International Beaver Symposium at UHI House to focus on all aspects of beaver science and the management of the Eurasian and North American species.
Organised by the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation at UHI Inverness and NatureScot, it was the first time the conference was held in the UK and was the largest to date.
The symposium was heavily oversubscribed and received an exceptionally high number of presentation proposals by 550 beaver specialists, reflecting the growing international interest in beaver restoration.
Academics and experts from major universities, institutes and agencies across Europe and North America participated in a symposium programme that focused on scientific research and innovation and featured 62 presentations and 63 poster presentations.
Delegates visited Cairngorms National Park and Highland Wildlife Park on Thursday where they learned more about recent beaver reintroduction efforts and wider nature restoration work involving species such as wildcats, dark bordered beauty moths, pine hoverflies and aspen. These visits were hosted by support partners Cairngorms National Park Authority and The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Conference manager Dr Martin Gaywood, who is a senior researcher at the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation and Species Projects Manager at NatureScot, said:
“This symposium was a fantastic and unique opportunity for Scotland to share and learn about some of the cutting-edge beaver research happening today. Beavers are the ultimate natural ecosystem engineers so they can have significant influences on freshwater systems, other species and us. We heard about topics ranging from beaver genetics to their role in wildfire management and carbon storage, and how people are experiencing the return of beavers to our landscapes.”
Dr Martin Gaywood opened the conference
Professor Bernd Hänfling, Director of the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, said:
“The idea that Scotland might one day host the international beaver symposium has been talked about for many years, so it was wonderful to see it finally happen. Our own research interest in beavers is building, and this has been a great opportunity for our staff and students to network and share experiences with the world’s leading beaver experts.”
Professor Bernd Hänfling
Delegates were welcomed to the symposium by Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive at UHI Inverness; Professor Colin Galbraith, the Chair of NatureScot and Glynnis Hood, Professor Emerita of the University of Alberta, Canada.
Professor Galbraith said: “The beaver restoration story has been developing in Scotland for the last 30 years, and there has been much research, debate and experience along the way. Importantly, many other countries have their own stories to tell.
“The symposium was a great opportunity to learn about the work done elsewhere, and for Scottish experts to share theirs. Exchanging knowledge and building partnerships in this way plays a vital role in helping all of us find ways to live with beavers, overcome the challenges and make the most of the many benefits they bring. Restoring beavers across Scotland is an important part of nature recovery, and the habitats they create are already benefiting a wide range of other species.”
