Good news: the European beaver is back on the banks of Ticino after decades of absence

The European beaver is back on the Ticino river after decades of absence. The MAB UNESCO parks are launching a monitoring program, based in particular on reports from the general public.

The European beaver is once again colonizing the banks of the Ticino, an event that local authorities are describing as being of great ecological importance. After a first sighting in December 2024 at Castelletto di Cuggiono, in the province of Milan, new traces and reports have confirmed an increasingly stable presence along the river.

This phenomenon is now official thanks to the four parks of the MAB UNESCO biosphere reserve "Ticino, Val Grande, Verbano", which have signed a joint agreement for the scientific monitoring of the species. The most obvious evidence of the rodent's presence are the typical bite marks on tree trunks, unequivocal signs of its passage and construction activity.

Nature's engineer and his role in river ecosystems

Described by specialists as a true "natural engineer", the beaver is known for its ability to modify the river environment through dams and other natural structures. These developments can help reduce the risk of flooding and improve habitats, creating wetlands richer in biodiversity.

According to observations in Europe, where the species is already well established, its activity can also help restore river ecosystems. The objective is clear: to ensure a balanced cohabitation between wildlife and human activities, without conflicts with agriculture or infrastructure.

The park plan: study, monitoring and citizen reporting

To better manage the beaver's presence, the Ticino parks have launched a shared study and monitoring program. Park wardens and volunteers are already active in the field, mapping beaver movements, burrows and signs of activity, with the aim of understanding the species' real impact on the ecosystem.

The role of citizens will also be decisive, as part of a genuine participatory science mission. Canoeists, anglers and hikers are invited to report any sightings or traces to the relevant organizations, thus becoming full players in environmental monitoring.

How to recognize beavers and distinguish species

The environmental authorities remind us that the beaver should not be confused with the coypu, which is often present in the same areas. The beaver is larger and can be recognized by its flat, scaly tail and distinctive orange teeth, whose high iron content makes them particularly resistant to gnawing wood. A herbivore, the beaver feeds on riverbank vegetation and trees, indirectly contributing to the transformation of the river landscape. A hopeful return, a sign that nature is slowly reclaiming its rights along the Ticino river.