1. What is the aim of the trial?
• Study the ecology of the beaver in the Scottish environment;
• Assess the effects of beaver activities on the environment, including land uses;
• Generate information that will inform the potential for further releases on other sites;
• Explore the environmental education opportunities, and;
• Determine the extent and impact of any increased tourism generated.
2. How will the trial be evaluated?
The trial will be evaluated against the following:
Criteria for success:
• Survival of introduced animals is similar to successful reintroduction programmes elsewhere in Europe at similar period of population establishment.
• A stable or increasing core population is achieved within the limits of the study site.
• The beaver population demonstrates a positive contribution to ecosystem function.
• Beaver reintroduction is integrated with habitat management/restoration.
• The impact on the economy of the area as a result of the presence of beavers is positive.
Criteria for failure:
• Mortality levels preclude establishment of a population.
• Significant and unsustainable damage is incurred by the ecosystem within the study site.
• The area suffers significant economic loss as a result of beaver activities.
• Costs of project/damage/management significantly exceed expectations