Two beavers released into the wild on Exmoor National Trust land earlier this year have formed a pair, conservationists have observed. Trail-camera footage from the Holnicote Estate shows the rodents grooming each other and spending time in close proximity, suggesting they are settling into the landscape and establishing social bonds.
These observations are a positive sign for the beavers' integration and the potential for a future family group. The animals were released in February as part of the National Trust's efforts to restore rivers, wetlands, and floodplains across the 5,000-hectare estate. This marks the second wild release on National Trust land and the third in England since last year.
Mathieu Burtschell, a National Trust ranger, described the sight of the pair together as "really exciting." He stated that the hope upon release was for the beavers to explore the area, establish territories, and form the relationships crucial for a healthy beaver population. "The fact that they have paired up is a good indication that they have found the right conditions at Holnicote, with enough suitable habitat, food and space to establish a territory together," Burtschell said.
Beavers, the world's second-largest rodent, typically live in small family groups centered around an adult pair that usually mates for life. Trail cameras provide valuable insights into their behavior, particularly since they are largely active at night. If the pair remains together, they could eventually establish their own family unit, contributing to the strengthening of the beaver population across the estate.
The beavers are being monitored to understand their settlement patterns, movement within the catchment area, and their impact on shaping the surrounding habitat. Their presence is part of a broader initiative to enhance biodiversity and ecological health through rewilding efforts.