NatureScot’s Beaver Management Report sets out that, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, beavers released anywhere in Scotland are regarded as a ‘former native’ species outwith their native range and hence their release can only be carried out under licence.Beavers are European Protected Species in Scotland, but the concept of ‘natural range’ comes from the European Commission Habitats Regulations Guidance, which only recognises populations that have been formally reintroduced.The Beaver Management Report sets out that it is NatureScot policy to consider authorised populations and catchments where licensed release has already taken place are considered to form beaver’s natural range in Scotland. S6W...