Research and Innovation
We are learning something new about beavers every day. Here we share research and innovative projects studying beavers and their impact, as well as developing ways to coexist.
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Do you have additional information about the projects below or know other relevant research or innovative beaver projects, please let us know.
High Water Refuges
In various countries, organisations are working on developing different types of high water refuges. The goal is that these refuges help prevent digging in dykes during times where high water levels have flooded beaver burrows.
In the Netherlands they have built floating huts and in Germany there are beaver islands. By testing different methods and studying the impact of these high water refuges, we learn more about beaver behaviour during high water and can hopefully minimise their impact on dykes.
Contact
Reach out to the people below if you have any questions about this project.
Ronald Wolters, Waterboard Aa & Maas - rwolters@aaenmaas.nl
Kees Schep, Waterboard Rivierenland - k.schep@wsrl.nl
Beaver patrol
When river levels rise and flood the floodplains, we speak of high water. As the water rises, beavers lose space to build sheltered dens. The dykes, being the highest points in the landscape, then become an attractive alternative—creating risks for water safety. Burrowing in dykes during high water can cause damage or even failure.
Because beavers create the entrance to their lodge underwater, such damage is difficult to detect. High water often reduces visibility due to murky water and debris. For this reason, on-water inspections form part of the “beaver patrol”. Working in cold, fast-flowing rivers is hazardous, so the project focuses on safe working methods and innovative inspection tools.
Musk Rat Control Rivierenland in the Netherlands leads the project, and works together with other water boards in the country.
Objective
To detect beaver burrowing in flood defences during high-water conditions.
Method
At night, floodplains are scanned with night-vision equipment for beaver activity near the dyke. During the day, beaver behaviour is monitored. Where beavers lose dry shelter or become distressed, risks increase. These dyke slopes are then inspected from the water to locate burrows.
The key questions are how to map where beavers approach the dyke, and how to inspect the outer slope safely in cold, fast-flowing water.
Contact
Reach out to the people below if you have any questions about this project.
Kees Schep, Waterboard Rivierenland - k.schep@wsrl.nl