"We felt it was high time that beavers enjoyed the same legal protection as other species like bats, dolphins, wildcats and otters"
Scotland’s small population of beavers will be given full legal protection.
The two lead groups in the scheme which saw the mammals officially reintroduced welcomed the news.
Both Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) led the Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale, Argyllshire, which led to a colony becoming established, in tandem with a second population in Tayside, which sprang up as a result of illegal releases.
Despite their small numbers, the animals, which are native to Scotland but were exterminated hundreds of years ago, were not given legal protection, even though the Scottish Government gave them the green light to remain in 2016, citing the ecological benefits they bring.
This encouraged persecution of the animals, most likely from farmers and landowning interests, with up to 240 beavers being killed over the years.
Last week, a female beaver was found shot dead on a nature reserve on Tayside.
This led the Scottish Government to confirm that that legislation giving beavers legal protection will come into force.
This means that from 1 May shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. All licenses will be issued in accordance with the law on European Protected Species.
Announcing the news, environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Scottish Government believes in the highest standards of animal welfare – for both wild and domestic animals - and we felt it was high time that beavers enjoyed the same legal protection as other species like bats, dolphins, wildcats and otters.
“There are few species that have such a significant and, largely positive, influence on the health and function of our ecosystems. The importance of beavers to Scotland’s biodiversity is huge.
Jonny Hughes, chief executive of SWT, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has finally given the green light to granting beavers European Protected Status. Legal protection, alongside a suitable management framework, is necessary to ensure we benefit fully from their return and also ensure land managers can deal with localised negative impacts.
“The return of beavers to Scotland’s lochs and rivers offers widespread ecological benefits. Beavers are well-known for their engineering prowess, creating wetland havens that provide homes for many other species including fish, insects and waterbirds, while also helping humans by reducing the risk of floods down river. They are also providing a boost to Scotland’s rural economy by increasing wildlife tourism.”
Barbara Smith, RZSS chief executive, added: “The granting of European Protected Status is a vital step in welcoming beavers back to Scotland as a natural part of our ecosystem.
“This is a milestone for the many of us who have worked together for years on the return of this species.
“Legal protection accompanied by a proper framework for management is critical to ensuring that beavers can be protected and live alongside people long into the future."
