Beaver sweep back: Lecture on resettlement in Altenburger Land!

Beaver sweep back: Lecture on resettlement in Altenburger Land!

In Altenburger Land something is happening - and that has to do with a very special, furry resident. On July 14, 2025, the Mauritianum Natural History Museum will "come the beavers!" Open that addresses the beaver's comeback in the region. Especially in times when nature conservation is becoming more important, the return of this impressive animal species is particularly exciting.

On the lecture evening, which is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m., those interested have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the topic. Caroline Frötschner from the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment, Energy, Nature Conservation and Forestry will speak about the topic of "Biber Management in Thuringia". In addition, Pauline Heinze from the Natura 2000 station "Auen, Moore, wetlands" will provide interesting information about the ENL project "Biberau-Habitatfarung & Habitat Development for the beaver in Thuringian Auen". Kathleen Lösch from the Natural Researcher Gesellschaft Altenburg and NABU BIBERPORTS will report on the “appearance” of the beaver in Altenburger Land.

from the extermination to return

Did you know that the beaver was almost eradicated in Germany? Apart from a small population along the Middle Ele, it was almost gone, and he was also no longer found in Thuringia since 1850. Names such as Bibra, Bebra or Biberbach are reminiscent of its earlier distribution today. But from 2007 the beavers began to return, although the Altenburger Land was initially not affected.

In recent years, however, a change has emerged. As early as 2021, the first rescue campaigns for "stranded" beavers in the Haselbach pond area were necessary, and since 2023 the furry rodents have left nail traces on the river banks of the Pleiße. "This could indicate that a beaver area is established," said experts. The habitat design by beaver is not only exciting from a nature conservation point of view, but also has its pitfalls, especially for land and foresters. Here you need an exchange of stakeholders to ensure a conflict -free coexistence.

beaver and biodiversity

Biber are of great importance for biodiversity. Through their activities, they create habitats for numerous other types and thus contribute to the stability of the ecosystems. A high biodiversity helps to alleviate the effects of climate change. Ecosystems with a variety of species are not only more stable, they are also more adaptable to changing environmental conditions.

In Germany, forests are among the most species-rich ecosystems that urgently need protection and sustainable management in order to maintain their function as a CO2 memory. The return of beavers is therefore a small but important step towards a healthy and stable natural balance, from which people in the region can also benefit.

For more information about the return of the beaver and the ongoing nature conservation dialog, visit the websites of Altenburger Land , Thuringia Environment and fnr .