Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The rivers where the European beaver lives store 26% more carbon

A study led by the University of Birmingham has shown that dams made by European beavers (Castor fiber) accumulate 26% more carbon per year in these areas of the river. This carbon accumulates mainly in sediments and in dead wood flooded and could be stored for 30 years. In addition, the action of the dam contributes to the recharge of aquifers and the purification of water.

The beaver builds dams by cutting branches, shrubs and small trees, stabilizing them with mud, stones and sediments from the river itself.

“Carbon accumulates mainly in sediments and dead wood and could be stored for 30 years.”

This structure slows down the speed of the water and creates a flooded area upstream. As the current slows down, organic material such as leaves, plant remains and dead wood accumulates and remains in the sediments. In this way, this area becomes an efficient carbon deposit.

Solution based on nature

The research has been carried out for a year in the basin of the Rhine in Switzerland, in a stretch of 800 meters of river where beavers have been found since 2010. Carbon flows into and out of the system have been measured at three points in the river: before the dams, within the area modified by the beavers, and downstream. The results were published openly.

According to the researchers, the conclusion must be taken into account in nature-based climate solutions. They also warn that the European beaver should not be confused with the American one (Castor canadensis), since the latter can produce much greater effects outside its natural domain and not for the benefit.