Biber Carinthia

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) inhabits rivers, streams, lakes and their banks, where it actively shapes its environment. It lives monogamously in family groups, is crepuscular and nocturnal, and does not hibernate. As a strict herbivore it uses around 150 herbaceous and over 60 woody plant species, preferring to fell smaller trees to reach bark and soft wood. Through dam construction it raises water levels, creates wetland habitat and is regarded as a keystone species for floodplain restoration.

During the 19th and early 20th century, the beaver was driven to near-extinction across much of Europe through hunting for its fur, castoreum and meat. In Central Europe only a small remnant population on the middle Elbe survived. Thanks to consistent protection and targeted reintroductions since the mid-20th century, populations have recovered substantially: Germany now hosts roughly 40,000 beavers, Austria around 9,000 and Switzerland approximately 4,900. This return is considered one of the most successful species-conservation stories in the DACH region.

For hunters the legal picture is clear: the beaver is not subject to hunting law, but to strict protection under the EU Habitats Directive. Capturing or killing animals and damaging lodges or dams are prohibited. As populations expand, conflicts with agriculture, forestry and water management increase, including crop and tree damage, undercut banks and flooded land. Dedicated beaver-management programmes respond with advice, prevention and compensation. In well-founded individual cases, the Federal Nature Conservation Act allows exceptional permits for removal in order to prevent significant economic damage.