The last known record of beavers in Portugal probably dates back to the end of the 15th century. Since then, this emblematic species has disappeared from our rivers, a victim of intensive hunting and habitat destruction.
However, after two decades of population recovery in [neighboring] Spain, signs of their presence in Portugal have finally been found. Gnawing marks began to appear on trees and structures manipulating the watercourse, typical of this species’ activity, and the timely placement of photo-trapping cameras confirmed the presence of a young adult in Portuguese territory….