Protection status and legislation

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) was once widespread across Europe and parts of Asia. Since the late 19th century, legal protection and reintroduction efforts have led to a strong recovery. More information on the distribution of the Eurasian beaver can be found here.

• IUCN Red List (2023): Least Concern 
• Population trend: Increasing in Europe
• Ecological role: Wetland restoration, increased biodiversity, water retention

Legislation overview

The Eurasian beaver is legally protected across much of its range. However, the level and type of protection vary between international, European, national, and local contexts. On European level beavers are protected under the Bern Convention (Appendix III) and the EU Habitats and Species Directive (Annex II, IV, or V).

The Bern Convention sets a minimum standard across a broader group of countries, including non-EU states. Some EU laws, like the Habitats Directive, were inspired by or aligned with the Bern Convention—but go further in scope and enforcement. In EU countries, the Habitats Directive takes precedence and provides stricter protection.

At European level and beyond

Outside the European Union, Eurasian beaver protection varies significantly:

• Strict protection from killing, disturbance, and habitat damage under national law (e.g., Switzerland, England, Scotland)
• Moderate protection in countries with reintroductions or Bern Convention obligations (e.g., Wales, Serbia).
• Game species status in countries with abundant populations (e.g., Russia, Belarus).
• Extinct or absent in much of the Middle East and Central Asia, with limited or no legal recognition.

Bern Convention

The Eurasian beaver is listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which includes protected fauna species that are not under strict protection like those in Appendix II of the EU Habitat directive. Member states must ensure that any exploitation (e.g. hunting, capture, or trade) of these species is regulated to keep populations viable. Member states include almost all members of the Council of Europe, a number of African countries and the European Union.

Within the European Union

EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) aims to protect species and habitat types to ensure they are maintained, restored, and recovered to a favourable conservation status within the EU. There are different annexes (lists) that provide varying levels of protection and rules for species and habitats.

The Eurasian beaver, except for some population, is listed in Annex II and IV . The Baltic, Polish, Finnish and Swedish beaver populations are listed in Annex V.

National and local protection

Protection varies by country, within the EU, and even regionally within countries:

• In some countries, beavers are strictly protected from killing, disturbance, and habitat damage (e.g. England, Germany, Sweden).
• In others, regulated management or licensed control is allowed to address human-wildlife conflicts (e.g. Norway, Finland, parts of Central and Eastern Europe).
• Reintroduction or population expansion often includes local agreements with landowners or land managers, water managers, and municipalities.