**Beavers and Their Surprising Impact on the Natural Landscape**
Thousands of beavers have been reintroduced to desert areas in the United States, and the results have not only changed the landscape but also reshaped entire ecosystems.
Historically, beavers have played a vital role in maintaining the natural environment in North America. The dams we build have helped create floodplains, store water, and prevent rust.
However, in the 19th century, hunting beavers for their fur and musk glands caused their numbers to plummet, from 250 million to about 100,000 by the early 20th century. Their disappearance has changed the natural flow of rivers, creating disappearing wetlands, depleting water sources, and severely reducing the flow of rivers.
Recognizing the beavers’ design role, relocation programs have been developed. For example, at Suzie Creek in Nevada and Price River in Utah, the return of the beavers has helped revive the ecosystem.
The small dams created by beavers have retained water, enriched the soil, created habitat for plants and animals, and even helped reduce the risk of wildfires. In places that were once dry, deep trees, green grass, and a variety of animals have returned.
Studies show that each beaver pond can store more than 3.5 million liters of water, retaining water during the dry season and reducing flooding during the rainy season. In addition, these areas act as natural filters, removing infectious pollutants from water sources.
Still, not everyone is in favor of the return of beavers. Some argue that they are a nuisance by flooding land, creating dangerous tree lagoons, or clogging waterways.
However, better eco-friendly measures such as using tree protection nets or painting tree trunks to avoid production restrictions balance the benefits between humans and nature.
Beavers not only regenerate ecosystems but also help combat climate change. By retaining water in wolf streams and creating wetlands, we help reduce droughts, spread wildfires and cool the land.
We are clear evidence that animals can effectively contribute to environmental protection.
Currently, beaver relocation programs are being widely developed in many states in the US and other countries. Beavers are not only builders but also “ecological engineers”, helping humans and nature to develop sustainably.
