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🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Limburg Beaver Numbers Decline, But Experts Cite Reporting Issues

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The number of beaver territories in Limburg, Belgium, decreased to 92 this year from 107 last year, a 14% drop.
  • Researchers attribute this decline to fewer reports from provincial water management authorities, not necessarily a population decrease.
  • Despite the reported dip in Limburg, beaver populations are increasing significantly in other parts of Flanders.

The number of beaver territories registered in Limburg, Belgium, has seen a reported decrease this year, with 92 territories counted compared to 107 in the previous year. This represents a 14% decline, according to the Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO).

However, INBO researcher Frank Huysentruyt cautions that this apparent drop may be misleading. The reduction in reported territories is attributed to provincial water management authorities focusing more on management tasks and consequently reporting fewer signs of beaver activity. Without these reports, the INBO cannot assign territories, suggesting the actual beaver population in Limburg might be stable or even slightly increasing.

Limburg, along with Antwerp and East Flanders, remains a province with a high concentration of beaver families. The species, which was once extinct in the region, has made a significant comeback thanks to reintroduction projects and improved water quality. Beavers first entered Flanders via the Netherlands and are now found across most of Limburg, except for large heathland areas.

But that decline is distorted.

— Frank HuysentruytAn INBO researcher explains why the reported drop in beaver territories might not reflect the actual population trend.

In contrast to the reported figures in Limburg, the rest of Flanders has seen a notable increase in beaver populations. The number of beaver territories across Flanders rose by 17% in one year, from 434 to 508. This resurgence highlights the success of conservation efforts over the past few decades.

While the return of beavers is celebrated for its positive ecological impacts, such as water retention and increased biodiversity, their dam-building activities can cause localized flooding. In areas like Geel, in the province of Antwerp, authorities are seeking ways to manage the protected species more efficiently. Huysentruyt acknowledges these challenges but advocates for a balanced approach, noting that while dam removal requires permission from the Agency for Nature and Forest, the ecological benefits provided by beavers are undeniable.

Where beavers can do their work, the positive effects are of course undeniable. Beavers retain water in the landscape and increase biodiversity.

— Frank HuysentruytThe researcher highlights the ecological benefits of beaver activity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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