Naslov
PUBLIC ATTITUDE ABOUT BEAVERS IN CROATIA AFTER 25 YEARS - GUIDELINES FOR COEXISTENCE

Autori
Bjedov, Linda ; Vucelja, Marko ; Tomljanović, Kristijan ; Grubešić, Marijan

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS: 9th international beaver symposium / - , 2022, 68-68

Skup
9th International beaver symposium

Mjesto i datum
Brasov, Romania, 18.09.2022. - 22.09.2022

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
public, beaver, beaver management, damage prevention

Sažetak
Constantly increasing beaver population over the last 25 years in Croatia has influenced public attitudes about the beaver. During the first ten years of recolonization, as beavers gradually spread and appeared in new locations, there was a general enthusiasm concerning beavers. After 15 years from first reintroduction in some areas, habitat carrying capacity was reached and first damages were recorded. After 20 years beaver problems became a common occurrence. In the past 3 years the beaver population has experienced a pronounced progression, which significantly affected the public's attitude, especially in areas of permanent beaver residence with high family densities. As part of the LIFE BEAVER Project, workshops were held with the aim of educating and informing the public. At the same time, through group workshops, we collected public opinion and suggestions related to beaver protection, protection from beavers, and coexistence with beavers. From 150 workshop participants we identified several concrete views and guidelines, of which we highlight the 10 most representative ones: 1) importance for conservation and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, 2) issues with beaver problems relative to dams, coastal erosion and agricultural damage, 3) need for completion and adoption of the Beaver Management Plan, 4) identification of defined management zones relative to beaver management, 5) required research to determine optimal beaver numbers and habitat capacity, 6) establishment of preventative measures to reduce beaver damage, 7) improved institutional coordination for the implementation of beaver protection and management, 8) improved communication and associated information systems, 9) development of a compensation system for damages, and 10) need for balance between public acceptance and responsive management. After 25 years from the first beaver introduction in Croatia there is still no Beaver Management Plan nor was beaver protection status changed, regardless of high population densities.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Šumarstvo, Biotehnologija

POVEZANOST RADA