WWF launches petition against beaver killings

Specifically, up to 392 animals may be shot annually in Lower Austria, up to 158 in Upper Austria in the future, up to 148 in Carinthia, and up to 15 in Salzburg. The conservation organization WWF Austria is alarmed by these numbers and calls for an immediate stop to the killing policy. "More and more federal states are resorting to killings when there are conflicts with beavers. This does not solve problems - it exacerbates them. Because where the beaver disappears, nature suffers," criticizes WWF expert Sarah Layendecker. The WWF therefore calls for the creation of more habitat for the beaver, for example through designated riparian strips. "Around 90 percent of conflicts with beavers occur within ten meters from the water's edge. If we at least leave this area to the animals, they can bring long-term benefits to our society," says Sarah Layendecker from the WWF.

Petition against beaver killings can be signed immediately

As an ecosystem engineer, the beaver sustainably shapes its environment. The wetlands it creates not only provide habitat for numerous animal and plant species but also promote water retention in the landscape. "This is a great advantage, especially in times of increasing extreme weather events, as both floods and droughts are mitigated," says WWF expert Sarah Layendecker. Nevertheless, more and more federal states are allowing the shooting of these strictly protected animals - most recently in Salzburg. In addition, Upper Austria and Styria have announced corresponding shooting regulations.

The WWF is therefore launching the petition "Stop the Beaver Killings." "The federal states must recognize that they are on the wrong track with their shootings and are violating applicable EU law," says Sarah Layendecker from the WWF. The petition against beaver killings can be signed immediately.

(Red)

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