The possible re-introduction of the European beaver on to Wales' rivers and streams is causing concern amongst NFU Cymru members who feel the species return could have dire consequences for animal health, farmland and crops.
The last recording of the European beaver in Wales was by Giraldus Cambrensis in 1188 on the Teifi River and the Wales Wildlife Trust are now assessing opportunities of reintroducing the species to slow flowing rivers.
Dafydd Jarrett, NFU Cymru Policy Adviser said, "NFU Cymru is adopting an extremely cautious approach to the proposal for re-introduction of beavers into Wales, as indeed we would to any new species. Welsh farmers are not convinced that the beaver would fit into the current Welsh ecosystem and be capable of co-existing with modern farming and farmers. Once introduced there would be no control on their numbers and how far they would spread."
The disease risk with European beavers has not yet been investigated but NFU Cymru is aware that the animals carry diseases such as rabies, tularaemia and tuberculosis, which can be transmitted to other animals. Humans can also be at risk from faeces infected with giardia in watercourses as many farm water supplies in Wales are not subject to water treatment.
The effect of this species on current farming and agri environment measures is not yet known but NFU Cymru is aware that beavers feed on maize and root crops. Much of the land where these crops are grown in Wales adjoin watercourses. Crops could be at risk from hungry beavers. The effect on other species and biodiversity is also unknown. There is a real risk that their burrowing and feeding could add to diffuse pollution problems on Welsh rivers.
Mr Jarrett concluded, "NFU Cymru will continue to represent the views of Welsh farmers in future discussions regarding the re-introduction of the European beaver to Wales to ensure the livelihood of farmers is protected. The fact that the Scottish Executive has recently refused permission for their reintroduction in Scotland speaks volumes and we will be urging the Welsh Assembly Government to take a similar approach should a similar request be made in Wales."
