ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Beavers in Carpathian Mountains

Home , Bieszczady Mountains, Bieszczady National Park, Carpathian Mountains, Magura National Park

ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

2010

Co-operation: Carpathian Heritage Society Research Society “Castor” Ecovolunteer Program

You can freely download this project file and files on other projects from the homepage for this project within the Ecovolunteer website: http://www.ecovolunteer.org/ (or from the national ecovolunteer domains).

As it is necessary for participants in this project to be able to communicate in English, this text is provided only in English.

The text of this brochure is developed in cooperation with the project staff. Annually, under the supervision of the staff the text is updated. Nevertheless you may experience some changes in the field compared to the brochure text. It is inherent to wildlife research programs that during the operations incidentally changes are necessary because of unexpected results, behaviour by the wildlife, etc. Be prepared for such changes. (Last update: August 2009)

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 1 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org Introduction

Many animals modify their immediate environments to meet their needs, but among mammals, only beavers rival human beings in the extent to which they change their landscape. Beavers influence mountain streams through building dams and are influential in maintaining water resources and biodiversity. The absence of this natural engineer caused many problems, and contributed to a reduction in the natural capacity of streams to resist damaging flood events. Consequently, a programme to re-establish populations of beavers in the Carpathians commenced in 1992 and Dr. Andrzej Czech and his team have now released 200 beavers. Many of these beavers built dams and canals but, because of hard mountain conditions, some have left the reintroduction sites. To increase the effectiveness of the reintroduction programme it is important to determine existing territories, evaluate new release sites and monitor the effects of beaver activities. During your stay at the project, you will be in south-eastern corner of Poland - Bieszczady Mountains, and Lesser Beskids (Polish: Beskid Niski), close to the borders with Ukraine and Slovakia, and also within Biosphere Reserve Eastern Carpathians, which is the only tri-lateral Biosphere Reserve in the World. The area is well known for its natural beauties and unique animal and plant life. The activities vary, and include: searching for beavers and signs of their activities in mountain streams, assessment of usefulness of different sections of streams for beavers, research on the influence of beavers on ecosystems (hydrology, effects on other species etc.), reintroducing beavers and searching for effects in the field as well as testing non-lethal methods on solving beaver - human conflicts.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 2 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org Contents

1. About beavers ...... 5 1.1. Taxonomy and social organisation ...... 5 1.2. Distribution ...... 5 1.3. Appearance ...... 6 1.4. Vision, hearing and sense of smell ...... 6 1.5. Teeth ...... 7 1.6. Locomotion ...... 7 1.7. Scent marking glands ...... 8 1.8. Reproduction and longevity ...... 9 1.9. Foraging ...... 9 1.10. Construction work ...... 10 1.11. Dispersal and territories ...... 11 1.12. Predators and diseases ...... 11 2. Beavers in Poland ...... 12 3. The study area ...... 13 3.1. Bieszczady Mountains and Bieszczady National Park ...... 13 3.2. Lesser Beskids and Magura National Park ...... 15 4. Carpathian Beaver Project ...... 18 4.1. Background ...... 18 4.2. Staff ...... 18 4.3. General goal of the project ...... 19 4.4. Objectives of the project ...... 19 5. How you may help ...... 20 5.1. Activities and possibilities ...... 21 6. Travel information ...... 22 6.1. Dates ...... 22 6.2. Duration ...... 22 6.3. Capacity ...... 22 6.4. Price ...... 22 6.5. Accommodation ...... 23 ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 3 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 6.6. Transport to Poland & Meeting ...... 23 6.7. Insurance ...... 23 6.8. Medical services ...... 24 6.9. Conditions for participation ...... 24 6.10. Attainability ...... 24 7. Personal equipment ...... 25 8. Literature ...... 27 9. Your participation climate neutral ...... 28

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 4 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 1. ABOUT BEAVERS

1.1. Taxonomy and social organisation The beaver belongs to the class of the mammals (Mammalia), the order of the rodents (Rodentia), the family Castoridae and the genus Beavers (Castor). The two extant species are: the European beaver (Castor fiber) and the North American beaver (Castor Canadensis). The two species are very similar in morphology, mode of life and behaviour although the North American beaver is somewhat bigger and generally has a larger litter. For the North American beaver and the European beaver the chromosome number is 40 and 48 respectively and therefore the two species cannot mate and produce viable offspring. In the following text there will be no distinction between the two species concerning morphology, mode of life or behaviour unless well-documented differences are reported. Beavers are primarily nocturnal with an active period that last from dusk to early morning, but in places with no disturbance they can also be active during daytime. The beaver is semi-aquatic and always lives near water. Beavers live in small colonies or family groups with approximately 2-7 members in the European beaver. The family group consists of an adult reproducing pair, their one-year old offspring as well as young of the year. Beavers are monogamous and the presence of adults with normal hormonal function may be sufficient to inhibit additional reproduction in the family group. Both the male and yearlings contribute to the rearing of the young. The pair bonding can last more than seven years.

1.2. Distribution Formerly widespread throughout much of Europe and Asia, the Eurasian beaver populations were reduced through over hunting to about 1200 animals, in eight isolated populations, by around the end of the 19th Century. Since the 1920s, effective protection of these remnants, the resultant natural spread, and widespread reintroductions have led to a powerful recovery in both range and population. The minimum population estimate in 2000 is 592 000 individuals. There are also about 12 500 North American beaver established in Finland and Russian Karelia.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 5 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org Populations are now established throughout Europe, with the exception of the British Isles, Iberia, Italy, and the southern Balkans. Habitat occupied ranges from wilderness areas to intensively managed landscapes with dense human populations, and from warm temperate to sub-arctic climates. Reintroductions are continuing. Considerable further expansion of both range and population, especially in Western Europe and the lower Danube basin, can be expected.

1.3. Appearance The beaver is the largest rodent in Europe with a combined head and body length of 75-100 cm and a tail length of 30-40 cm. Average adults weigh 18-20 kilograms with a maximum weight of 35 kilograms. The colour of the skin varies from greyish brown to black brown. Even though partial albinism occurs, which leads to different patterns and markings of the fur, the animals never have red eyes. The fur consists of two layers; the outer layer – guard hair – 5-6 cm long, and an under-fur that consists of hairs 2 cm in length. The fur is very thick. Approximately 23000 under-fur hairs per square centimetre grow on the ventral side and 12000 on the dorsal side. From every hair follicle 15-30 under-fur hairs and one to several guard hairs grow. The fur functions as isolation when in water. The outer layer of hair lies as a cover on top of the inner layer and thereby prevents water and dirt from reaching the skin. It also creates a layer of air near the skin, which enhance the insulation and help buoyancy. The winter fur is shed early in spring and in September the animals begin to grow new winter fur.

1.4. Vision, hearing and sense of smell Visual communication does not seem to be of great importance as the animals are primarily nocturnal. The eyes are small and placed high on the head. The vision is bad, - the optic nerve being small relative to the size of the eye. Even though the vision is evolved for night vision the retina lacks the light reflecting crystals, which occurs in almost all-nocturnal mammals to enhance vision in the presence of very little light. Probably this structure is missing in the beaver because the species has only recently become nocturnal and therefore the structure is not yet fully evolved. As an adaptation to the semi-aquatic mode of existence the beaver has “see-through” membranes that automatically glide over the eyes when the animal dives. These membranes function as protection against particles and prevent eye liquid from being washed away. The ears are small and hairy and the hearing is well evolved. The ear canal is large and possibly the beaver can also hear vibrations when being underneath the water surface. The opening of the ear can be closed while diving. The sense of smell is very well evolved. The nose ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 6 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org is relatively large, and the nostrils are located laterally. In between the nostrils the nose is bare which allows for more information to be gathered that had the part been hairy. Nostril closure occurs during diving. Besides being a very important part of the communication system the beaver also uses the sense of smell to locate eatable plants, allowing the beaver to detect for example an aspen several hundred metres away.

1.5. Teeth The incisors are important tools for the beavers as they are used both for eating, cutting, felling, cleaning of the fur and transportation of kits and branches. The beaver has four incisors; two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw. The incisors are large and chisel shaped and on the outside they are covered with a layer of orange coloured enamel. The inside is covered with a white layer of dentine. Furthermore the incisors are root open, growing continuously. Sharpening of the incisors occurs both by the use of the teeth, but also by rapid movements of the jaw that allow for the teeth to sharpen against each other. This behaviour begins when the animals are about 1,5 months old. There are four molars in both sides of the upper and lower jaw. These are made of hard enamel and soft tooth bone. The molars are used for grinding plant material. The beaver can chew under water by way of shifting the position of the epiglottis and thereby protecting the larynx and trachea from the entrance of water. Also an elevated part of the tongue blocks water entry.

1.6. Locomotion Both front and hind feet have five toes with strong nails. The hind feet have webs between the toes – another adaptation for the semi-aquatic mode of life. The 5.finger of the front feet functions as a thumb and makes it possible for the beaver to grasp and twist a branch while eating the bark. Furthermore the front feet are used for digging, carrying material while swimming; carry building material as well as carrying kits. During swimming the front feet are held under the chin and close to the body. The nails on the three outer toes on the hind feet are flat, thick and blunt while the two inner toes are bend, sharp and serrated. On the second inner toe the nail is double – one growing perpendicular to the other – creating a claw that the beaver use for grooming. Usually the beaver walks on all four legs, but it can also walk on the hind feet alone in an upright position. When doing so the tail stabilises the posture. The tail consists of two parts; 1) the base of the tail which is the narrow part that extends the body and which is muscular and furred, and (2) the flat part without hair and muscles which is covered by ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 7 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org small “scales”. The scales are not real scales, but in fact depressions in the tough leathery skin. Along the scale edges there are small bristle hair. The tail base controls the flat part of the tail and the tail is used for forward driving power, manoeuvring, steering and diving while swimming. The movement of the tail is usually upwards and downward, but lateral movements are possible. A very important function of the tail is its ability to store fat and thereby work as an energy reserve. The shape of the tail varies through the year according to an increase or a decrease in the amount of fat. Furthermore the tail functions as a heat exchanger in regulation of body temperature. The tail also serves as a means for producing alarm signals, which is another very important function. When disturbed a beaver will dive and while doing so it will slap its tail on the water surface thereby producing an alarm signal that will warn other members of the family group. Besides tail slapping long distance acoustic signals are poorly evolved in the species. The hind legs are the main source of forward driving power while the animal swims, but also movements from the tail and the body contributes to the swimming mode. When the beaver swims in the surface of the water at slow pace the hind legs are moved alternately in a paddling motion. When swimming underneath the water the hind legs move together and the tail and body makes undulating movements in the vertical plane. When swimming near the bottom the hind legs are held stretched backwards and the body and tail movements create the forward driving power. When swimming fast the hind legs are moved together and the tail movements are synchronised with the leg movements so that when the tail makes a downward movement the legs are brought forward. A beaver can remain under water for up to 15 minutes, but usually they swim to the surface to breathe after 4-5 minutes. In a laboratory study on diving in beaver the decrease in heart rate was found to be 79%, arterial oxygen level fell, cardiac output decreased and blood flow to the heart and brain increased.

1.7. Scent marking glands The urethra, the anus and the reproductive organs open into the same opening, the cloacae, which is located underneath the base of the tail. Beaver of both sexes possesses anal glands and castor sacs and they lie in a subcutaneous cavity located along the underside of the base of the tail between the cloacae and the pelvic girdle. The secretion of both castor sacs and anal glands is used in scent marking. Castoreum mixes with urine and is excreted through the urethra whereas secretion from the anal glands is excreted through openings located on both sides of the urethra. The beaver deposits the secretion on mounds made of either mud or leaves and other plant material, or both. The anal glands are well developed in the animals first year of living, and two important functions of the secretion are: 1) the maintaining of the water-repellent quality of the fur and 2) revealing ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 8 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org information on the individual depositing the secretion. The castor sacs are poorly developed and empty in newly born, but no differences in structure are evident between kits of more than 5 months old or adults.

1.8. Reproduction and longevity Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 1.5-2 years. The testicles are located in the abdominal cavity, which is unusual in mammals. Openings in the muscular system in the abdomen allow for the movement of the testicles so that they can remain under the skin. It is reasonable to assume that the reason for the testicles being located under the skin is that the beaver spends so much time in cold water. Cold water will cool down testicles located on the outside of the body and thereby reduce the sperm’s ability to swim. Usually mating takes place in the water basin of the lodge, but it can also take place outside the lodge or inside the lodge. During mating the female lies on the back in the water surface while the male floats on the side holding on to the female with his front feet or the teeth. The cloaca is placed so that they cover each other and the penis, which is 3.0-3.5 cm long, can then be inserted. The mating act lasts around 0.5-3 minutes and can take place several times during the female’s heat that lasts 12-14 hours. If mating does not result in fertilisation the heat can be repeated 2-4 times with intervals of 7-12 days. Mating usually takes place in January or February and the gestation period lasts approximately 107 days. The kits are born in May-June and the average litter size is 2-4 kit. At birth the eyes are either completely open or partially open, opening 2-4 hours after birth. The fur is thick and woolly and the kits weigh 500 – 550 grams. The kits are good swimmers at the age of one week, but the ability to dive and stay submerged is not complete until the age of approximately 2 months. This is due to the fact that kits are not able to close the nostrils and fold the ears and closing the auditory meatus until the age of 2 months. They remain in the lodge until they are 5-6 weeks old. Approximately 10 days after birth they begin to eat plant material, but they suckle until the age of 1-2 months. The longevity period is about 20 years.

1.9. Foraging Beavers are herbivorous animals. Near the top part of the very large stomach a cardiac gland is located. This gland is 6-7 cm long, four cm wide and approximately two-cm thick. The gland has eight openings into the stomach and the function is to secrete a secretion that contributes in digestion. The fermenting tube is similar to the gut in ruminants and it is located in the caecum and in the upper part of the large intestine. The very large caecum (approximately 40 cm’s long) is an adaptation in non-ruminant herbivores and the caecum contains micro ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 9 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org organisms that break down cellulose. Cellulose break down is approximately 33%. Caecotrophy, the periodic ingestion of material produced in the caecum, further increases the efficiency of digestion. During winter and late fall bark is the main food source. In spring and summer beavers forage on leaves, shoots, buds, bark and twigs of deciduous trees as well as on aquatic and herbaceous plants, which constitute a great deal of the food. Even though at least 80 tree species and 149 herbaceous species are registered as potential beaver food populous especially trembling aspen (Populus tremula), willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.) are preferred. Since the ability to move around on land is relatively poor in beavers the species is dependent on water as the main route for escaping. Therefore beavers usually forage within less than 10 metres from water and they rarely walk more than 100 metres from the water. Feeding sites are very easy to recognise; they are found near the waters edge, often close to the lodge, and branches from which the bark has been eaten are scattered around. Foraging sites are often used continuously and therefore beaver trails are created making it easy to recognise these sites. At latitudes where the ponds and waterways freeze during winter beavers begin to gather branches and twigs for a food cache in the autumn. These branches and twigs are secured on the bottom of the pond or stream outside the lodge. The food cache provides the winter food when ice prevents the beaver from leaving the pond or stream to forage elsewhere.

1.10. Construction work Beavers live in ground burrows, lodges built of branches and twigs or in nests. Lodges are usually built in habitats where it is impossible for the beaver to dig into the bank of the streams/rivers or lakes. These lodges often have oblong shapes, as the entrance must be covered by water in order to keep predators away. The building material comes from trees and bushes that the beavers fell. A family group can inhabit more than one lodge at a time, when territories contained more than one lodge these were often used as extra protection for the family group during summer nights. In some cases the parturition took place in this additional lodge. In winters when the water level was low near the preferred lodge, the secondary lodge was used. Ground burrows are found where the banks are high and the ground is soft enough to dig in. Often ground burrows are made underneath the roots of trees, as the roots will prevent the roof from collapsing. Sometimes the ground burrow is overbuilt with branches. The beaver digs the tunnels with its front feet and like the lodges; the burrow contains one or more chambers. The entrance of a ground burrow can be placed above the water surface or under water, in which case the entrance will be covered with branches. The nests are depressions in the ground. They are located under bushes, under a felled tree or by tree roots. Nests are made and used mainly in spring and summer. Besides building lodges beavers ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 10 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org build dams where necessary. Dams are built to raise the water level and to ensure a constant water level of more than 50 cm’s. As well as making sure that the entrance of the lodge is constantly under water, a water level of at least 50-cm is necessary to provide a quick route for escape. Moreover, the increased water level increases the availability of deciduous trees near the water edge, and facilitates the transportation of building material. Building material consist of branches, grass, and mud.

1.11. Dispersal and territories The juveniles leave the family group at approximately two years of age to find an available territory and a mate. Sometimes beavers leave the family as 1-year olds, before their second winter, and at least one of them reproduced at two years of age. Deviations from normal population density affect both the age of dispersal and the age of reproduction. 2-year olds could delay dispersal and remain in the family group in areas with high habitat saturation. Territories along waterways average 3 kilometres, but vary from 0.5-12.8 kilometres brook habitats. The size of the territory primarily depends on food quality and season.

1.12. Predators and diseases Wolves, bears and lynx are considered to be the most important predators on beaver. Especially wolves are considered to play an important part in the predation on beaver where the two species live sympatric. An investigation in Canada showed that 44% of wolf faeces, in summer, contained beaver remains. The beaver’s worst enemies in present time are humans and diseases. In The Netherlands 30% of the causes of death were related to humans and 50% was related to diseases. Destruction of habitat, lodges, dams and food caches is examples of human factors that affect beaver populations, but also road kills and poaching affect population size. 37% of beavers died in road kills in France and 16% died in road kills in Switzerland. The most common diseases found in the European beaver are different types of infections in the intestinal tract, for example the beaver fluke Paramphistomum castori, parasites and pseudo tuberculosis. The disease is caused by a bacterium Francisella tularensis. Extremely cold winters can cause beavers to starve to death. In very dense populations fights between dispersing individuals and resident beavers can lead to large wounds and cuts and possible death. About 16% beaver in Sweden died from competition within the species.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 11 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 2. BEAVERS IN POLAND Habitat change and over trapping resulted in the near extirpation of the beaver in Poland. Restoration efforts began in 1949, when 26 beavers from Voronezh (Russia) were released in north-eastern Poland. Now fully protected and augmented by natural in-migration along the Lithuanian-Polish border, their numbers grew slowly, reaching some 1000 by 1974. In that year, a comprehensive programme of beaver reintroduction was developed at the Research Station of the Polish Academy of Sciences, under the direction of Professor Zurowski. In cooperation with the Polish Hunters' Association, beavers from the densely-populated north-eastern region and two captive breeding centres were released in several areas throughout Poland. This programme continues; the Polish beaver population is now between 25.000 and 30.000.

With the growth in beaver numbers, their activities exert a growing influence on ecosystems in Poland, as manifest in higher ground-water levels, increasing sedimentation in beaver impoundments, and growing biodiversity of aquatic communities, along with diminished stream-bank erosion. However, increased beaver numbers have also intensified conflicts between beaver and human populations. Therefore there is need to develop methods of non- lethal minimising of damages caused by beavers.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 12 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 3. THE STUDY AREA

3.1. Bieszczady Mountains and Bieszczady National Park

3.1.1. Geographic locality Bieszczady Mountains are located in the far south-east, in Podkarpackie Voivodeship, at the borders with the Slovak Republic and Ukraine.

Some of the research take place in Bieszczady National Park, which was established in 1973 with an area of 59,55 sq. km. In 1996 the park increased its protection over the lower meadows which were former villages: Bukowiec, Beniowa and Carynskie. At present Bieszczady National Park covers 292.0 sq. km of the highest elevation of the Bieszczady Mountains Since 1992 Bieszczady National Park has been a part of the International Biosphere Reserve called Eastern Carpathians. It is consisted of three units: 1. Polish (the Bieszczady National Park, and two surrounding landscape parks: Cisniansko-Wetlinski and the Upper San Valley), 2. Slovakian (Poloniny National Park) 3. Ukrainian (Nature Reserve Stuzica).

3.1.2. Flora Bieszczady are one of the few European mountainous areas with relatively well preserved native flora and fauna. The forested area amounts to 80% and in some areas consist of primeval mountain forests. At the current stage the biodiversity is very high. Natural, mostly forest plant communities predominate. Only a few percent of the whole area are covered by semi natural plant communities, which occur mostly in sites of former villages (so called the "country of valleys"). It is worth to remark that the plant cover and the fauna have been created in result of spontaneous secondary, regenerative succession, which has lasted here since the end of World War II. That ecological phenomenon doesn't occur so long and at so large scale in other mountainous areas of Central Europe. In the national park 760 plant species have been recorded, of which 29 are endemic or species characteristic of East Carpathian flora. Endemic plant species are: cow-wheat (Melampyrum saxosum), catchfly (Silene dubia), and

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 13 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla turculensis). Other than Eastern Carpathian, interesting plant group consist of some 70 alpine and sub-alpine species. For this group consist: narcissus anemone (Anemone narcisiflora), alpine club-moss (Diphasium alpinum), and Hypochoeris uniflora. Among the plant species present in Bieszczady National Park 66 species are protected by the law (58 species strictly protected). The proportion of synantropic plant species is relatively low and makes up only 10% of the total number of species, which gives local flora fairly natural character. The world of lower plants is very rich and interesting. There have been recorded about 300 species of lichens, 200 species of mosses and numerous species of fungi. One of the most interesting species is Pleurotus vetlinianus, which occur only in the Bieszczady Mountains The vertical zonation in the Bieszczady has a unique character. Three climatic-vegetation zones can be distinguished: 1. Foothills zone (up to 500 m above sea level), 2. Lower mountain deciduous forest zone (500-1150 m above sea level) and 3. Mountain grassland zone (above 1100-1150 above sea level up to 1346 m above sea level). Although mountain grassland zone is present, neither the upper forest spruce zone nor the dwarf pine zone occurs between it and the lower mountain forest zone. This phenomenon is regarded as a result of the climatic conditions and anthropogenic pressure in the past ages. The uppermost mountain grassland areas covered by specific alpine and sub alpine meadow zone called "polonina". Around 90 % of Bieszczady National Park is covered by forest. The rest of the park is covered by mountain meadows (połoniny), and non-forest associations in lower altitude ("country of valleys"). 84 plant communities (24 forest communities, 60 non-forest communities) have been recorded in the Bieszczady National Park so far. Several of them: Pulmonario-Alnetum viridis, Aceri-Fagetum, Astrantio-Knautietum, Nardetum carpaticum orientale, Poo-Deschampsietum, Vaccinietum pocuticum are regarded as endemic.

3.1.3. Fauna Several species of mammals and birds that are recognised as rare or extinct in other parts of Europe inhabit the area of the Bieszczady Mountains Native populations of large carnivorous mammals such as the wolf, bear, and the lynx are a precious part of the Bieszczady wildlife. Among the large herbivorous, the red deer has a high population of 5-7 individuals per 100 ha. The European bison was reintroduced to the Bieszczady toward the end of the 1960. The population of bison has adapted itself successfully to the natural conditions of the park. At present in the herd existing in the park there are 20 individuals of bison. There are also populations of roe deer, wild boar ______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 14 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org and a few individuals of elk. The park has also successfully reintroduced of the beaver. For the last few years a herd of Hutsul horses has been bred in the park in order to maintain this typical of this area old rare breed. The Park is a paradise for bird-watchers. Extremely interesting and valuable groups of birds are birds of prey such as: golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), lesser spotted eagle (Aquilla pomarina), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), short toed eagle (Circaaetus gallicus), booted eagle (Hieraeetus pennatus), and honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus), and owls: eagle owl (Bubo bubo) and Ural owl (Strix uralensis). On the mountain grassland are nesting alpine bird species like: water pipit (Anthus spinoletta), Alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) and rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis). Another curiosity among animals is the Aesculapian snake (Elaphe longissima), present only a few exist certain locations of Poland; the largest population inhabits a species reserve along the San river corridor, north from Bieszczady National Park border. The fauna of invertebrates of the Bieszczady Mountains has clear Eastern-Carpathian character. Numerous species typical for the Eastern Carpathians one can find among insects, too.

3.2. Lesser Beskids and Magura National Park Magura National Park is situated in Podkarpackie Voivodeship and Malopolskie Voivodeship. Its present area is 19,439 ha. The Park is situated on the south of Poland, in the Lesser Beskids, by the border with the Slovak Republic. It covers a large part of water-head area of the Wisloka River, which is the Magura Watkowska massif, a part of the main Carpathian ridge. Forest ecosystems prevail in the Park, covering 18,531 ha.

3.2.1. Geology, geomorphology and soils The Park landscape is typical for the Lesser Beskids - medium and low mountain range. Flysch rocks of the Magura nappe prevail in geological structure. Places of particular interest for geologists are: "Diabli Kamien" (The Devil's Stone) - a monument of nature, and "Kornuty" Nature Reserve. The Park's main part is the range of Magura Watkowska with the highest peak Watkowa (847 m above sea level). Its northern slopes are cut through by the Bednarka and Klopotnica streams. The eastern part of the Magura is shaped as a series of single hummocks, separated by stream valleys and deep passes. Longer chains are present in the southern part of the Park, where distinctive elements are the hills: Nad Tysowym (713 m above sea level), Wielka Gora (719 m above sea level),

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 15 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org and Baranie (728 m above sea level), separated between each other by the Pass over Ozenna, Ciechania, and Olchowiec.

3.2.2. Flora The Park flora shows a zoned character and features of a transition area between the Eastern and Western Carpathian Mountains. Plant communities are characterised by permanent presence of foothill, thermophilous, and xerothermic species. Among 10 plant communities described in the Park, forest communities prevail. The foothill zone (up to 530 m above sea level) contains dry-ground forests, Carpathian alder forest, and wet-ground alder forest. The lower mountain forest zone (above 530 m above sea level) is dominated by rich Carpathian beech forest. Large area is also occupied by coniferous forests with fir, spruce and fir, as well as pine, introduced by man. In the forests structure, low percentage of spruce is interesting as it proves the high natural character of the forests. The confirmed number of vascular plants in the Park is almost 800 species. There are 45 alpine and 70 protected species. Especially valuable species include: Valeriana tripteris, Aconitum variegatum, and Aconitum moldavicum, Atropa beladonna, Blechnum spicant, Carlina acauris, orchids, Dianthus armeria, and Daphne mezereum.

3.2.3. Fauna Fauna in the Lesser Beskids range the Park is one the sites that are richest in fauna. There are 137 species of birds, including 108 nesting species (mostly associated with forests). Among them many are rare and threatened, such as golden eagle, lesser spotted eagle, eagle owl, honey buzzard. Species having large populations include: black stork, Ural owl, and white-backed woodpecker. 35 species of mammals live here, among them large predators, such as brown bear (regularly visiting the area from the Slovak side and the Bieszczady Mountains), lynx, wild cat, wolf, and river otter. In water fauna interesting animals include: river trout and bull-head. The Park and its buffer zone are abundant in amphibian and reptile species: spotted salamander, newts, yellow-bellied toad, adder, smooth snake, and grass snake. Insects dominate among invertebrate. Rare and threatened species of butterflies (for instance clouded Apollo, scarce swallowtail, and swallowtail) as well as beetles (for instance Rosalia alpina, Cerambyx scopoli) require special attention. Presence of the butterfly Brintesia circe is also a rarity. It is estimated that there are about 200 protected species living in the Park.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 16 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 3.2.4. Material culture The oldest traces of human presence in this part of the Lesser Beskids are the remnants of a large castle from the 9th-10th Centuries in Brzezowa, on Walik hill, at the feet of Magura Watkowska. It was one of a chain of early medieval castles located at the south-east borders of the state of Wislanie. The ornaments in the landscape are Orthodox churches built by the ethnic group called Lemkowie. Some of them turned into ruins and the only remaining landscape features are groups of trees and falling apart cemeteries. In some villages the remnants of traditional architecture can be found for instance long cottages, so called "chyze", and built by Lemkowie from thick logs of spruce or pine timber, alternately joined. In one of the cottages in Kolonia Olchowiec a small private museum of Lemko culture was opened. Attention should also be given to largely forgotten and ruined cemeteries from the time of the World War 1, with remains of thousands of people, including Poles killed as soldiers of Austrian, Prussian, and Russian armies.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 17 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 4. CARPATHIAN BEAVER PROJECT

4.1. Background In 1974 a comprehensive programme of beaver reintroduction was developed at the Research Station of the Polish Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the Polish Hunters' Association. Beavers from the densely-populated north-eastern region and two captive breeding centres were released in several areas throughout Poland. This programme continues until now. In 1992 Carpathian Beaver Programme started in Bieszczady Mountains in cooperation with Bieszczady National Park and local State Forest Administration. The working plan was as follow: - Searching for proper introduction sites - Preparing man-made lodges in selected sites - Releasing beaver couples - Tracing the beaver's post-releasing migration In autumn 1997 the Beaver Reintroduction Project in Lesser Beskids started. The main goal was to join the populations of Bieszczadzki and Magurski National Parks into one strong beaver population. As in Bieszczady Mountains we used beavers captured in the north-eastern region of Poland. There is an "overcrowded" population there, and beaver-caused damages became a serious problem.

4.2. Staff The beaver project in Carpathian Mountains is supervised by Dr. Andrzej Czech, president of Carpathian Heritage Society and Research Society Castor. He started his research on beavers in 1987 and received doctor's degree in 2001. The research focuses on: - Elaboration of beaver reintroduction methods, taking into account watershed scale, - Implementation of methods of active protection of beavers in the field, - Measurement of changes in environment after colonisation by beaver, - Elaboration of non-lethal methods of solving beaver-human conflicts.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 18 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org The researcher closely cooperates with Bieszczady and Magurski National Parks, local foresters and forest managers, and also Jagiellonian University as well as national and international experts.

4.3. General goal of the project To maintain viable and widespread populations of beavers in Polish Carpathians what will bring clear benefits for people and environment.

4.4. Objectives of the project - Analysing the effects of beaver reintroduction (determine existing territories), - Evaluation new release sites, - Monitoring the effects of beaver activities, - Determining beaver diet,

To obtain all these information the help of ecovolunteers is badly needed. A large amount of data is needed to ensure a reliable analysis and the more people participate in the research the more data are collected. It determines success of reintroduction of beavers in Carpathians.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 19 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 5. HOW YOU MAY HELP

Ecovolunteers who want to participate in the project are very welcome.

As an ecovolunteer you can participate in this research and conservation project. Your activities will mainly consist of: - Searching for beavers and signs of their activities in mountain streams. - Assessment of usefulness of different sections of streams for beavers. - Research on the influence of beavers on ecosystems (hydrology, effects on other species etc.). - Reintroducing beavers and searching for effects in the field. - Testing non-lethal methods of solving beaver - human conflicts.

You should realize that you are participating in a conservation and research project, not in an outdoor sports holiday. The needs of the project will decide what has to be done and when it has to be done. The accommodation is not luxurious, but sufficient.

You must have a positive attitude towards living and working in a small international group of enthusiastic people and take the responsibilities that this way of life holds.

It is important that you realize that the station is not a tourist organization, but a nature conservation operation. You can expect good and friendly supervision and co-operation from your colleges. The atmosphere at the project is informal and relaxed and by mutual arrangement many things are possible. The project runs since 1992 and is experienced in working with students and other people interested in beaver biology and ecology.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 20 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 5.1. Activities and possibilities

Six ecovolunteers can take a part in expedition at a time.

The researcher prepares each group for their fieldwork. He will explain the research methods and the goals of the research. Slide-show and lectures are organized to make you familiar with the research and the area.

You help in all aspects of the work. Your activities will mainly consist of taking walk about 10 - 15 km a day along mountain streams. You will search of beaver signs of their activities in mountain streams as well as assess of usefulness of different sections of streams for beavers. During these parts of fieldwork you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the Bieszczady Mountains When you participate in this project, you will be surprised how much you can learn about nature by observing very accurately. Fieldwork is usually executed in groups of two people; it may be in rough terrain, in rather isolated areas. Apart of fieldwork you can also take samples of water and vegetation for analyses, measure trees and area inhabited by beavers. In spring and autumn you can also assist in beaver trapping, transport and releasing, what is extraordinary occasion to observe unique method of beaver trapping and reintroduction. It is important for you to understand that we cannot organize special sight-seeing programs for you. However, if you want to take a day or two off and explore the area on your own, we can help you in finding a local guide.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 21 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 6. TRAVEL INFORMATION

6.1. Dates Participation is possible from April to June and from September to November. You can set your own dates of participation, provided that you plan both your arrival and your departure at Saturdays – the dates are subject to approval by staff. July and August are less convenient for participation, because in this time observations are quite difficult because of the high vegetation.

6.2. Duration Minimum period of participation is one week.

6.3. Capacity A minimum of two ecovolunteers and a maximum of six ecovolunteers.

6.4. Price As specified in the Ecovolunteer website http://www.ecovolunteer.org or your national ecovolunteer website, see: http://www.ecovolunteer.org/contact.html

Included in the price · Accommodation · Meals · Transfer from and to the meeting point at Sanok · Supervision · Participation in the project in accordance with this brochure · Lectures about beavers · Maps of the Bieszczady Mountains and Lesser Beskids

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 22 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org Not included in the price · Passport / visa (if required for your nationality) · Flight / travel to and from Poland / Krakow · Excess luggage charges · Travel- and cancellation insurance (all participants should carry both) · Personal expenses like telephone bills, souvenirs, vodka, etc.

6.5. Accommodation Accommodation is in comfortable eco-ranch, powered by renewable energy sources - wind and solar, where organic and vegetarian food is served. In this unique place participants can enjoy beautiful nature and wildlife just in front of the doors as well as visit beaver colony located just in 300 metres.

Rooms will be shared with one or two other people so flexibility will be required with regard to queuing for bathroom facilities etc.

6.6. Transport to Poland & Meeting You will have to make your own travel-arrangements Poland, either by flight or by train. We advise you not to make reservations before your participation in the project has been confirmed. The meeting point is at noon in Sanok, a town in south-eastern Poland with good bus connections from Krakow. From Sanok transport by car or by minibus will be arranged.

6.7. Insurance All participants are required to carry both travel insurance and cancellation insurance. Neither the Carpathian Beaver Project, the Ecovolunteer Program its associates and their employees will accept any liabilities that could have been covered by travel insurance or cancellation insurance.

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 23 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org 6.8. Medical services At 25 kilometres from the ranch (30 minutes), in Ustrzyki Dolne is the hospital, a government hospital with first aid and trauma centre. There is also available state emergency service, in case of road or mountain accidents.

6.9. Conditions for participation This volunteer program is suitable for everyone who has a normal physical health. You must speak at least some basic English. You should be committed to nature conservation and have a positive attitude towards working with people from different countries. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as it might be necessary to walk about 10 - 15 km a day along mountain streams. Participants must speak at least basic English, and the minimum age is 18.

6.10. Attainability The location of the project is rather isolated, but it will be possible for your family or friends to ring, fax or email to you when you are at the project. It will be also possible to use mobile phone (if you have roaming).

You do not need a special outfit, but you should keep in mind that you are spending much time in woody and sometimes marshy terrain. Hiking boots and rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots are absolutely required.

It depends on the season what kind of clothing you should bring. In autumn and spring, for instance, the temperatures fluctuate between -5 °C and +20 °C and in summer it raise to 30°C. As there often is a change in temperature during the day, it is advised to wear several layers of clothes so you can take off a layer when you are getting warm. It is strongly recommended that you bring waterproof and windproof clothing.

Below, you will find a list of some items you are recommended to bring with you:

Summer season:

- Valid passport - Hiking boots and rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots - Light shoes (for instance jogging shoes) - Socks (several for changing) - Shorts - Pants - T-shirts (several for changing) - Sweaters - Rain jacket - Cap - Personal items - Small rucksack - Binoculars - Personal first aid kit

______European Beavers / Poland – 2010 Page 25 © http://www.ecovolunteer.org - Good flashlight - Large pocket knife - Alarm clock - Optional: photo equipment, compass, field guides (on animal tracks, birds, etc.), travel guides for Poland, dictionary, sunglasses, sunburn lotion.

Spring and fall: - Valid passport - Hiking boots and rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots - Light shoes - Socks (several for changing) - Pants (several for changing) - T-shirts (several for changing) - Sweaters - Underwear - Rain jacket and -pants or 'gamaschen' - Warm gloves, scarf, hat or cap - Personal items - Small rucksack - Binoculars - Personal first aid kit - Good flashlight - Large pocket knife - Alarm clock - Optional: photo equipment, compass, field guides (on animal tracks, birds, etc.), travel guides for Poland, dictionary

We recommend you to read at least one serious book on beaver biology and ecology and one travel guide on Poland before participating in the project. You will profit greatly from that pre-information.

We recommend also you to bring with you to the project a guide on footprints and trails, on vegetation, on mammals and on birds. When you posses more guides, you are recommended to bring them as well.

The Ecovolunteer Program aims to offset all carbon dioxide emissions caused by your participation in the project. For this we cooperate with the Trees for Travel Foundation.

The Trees for Travel Foundation finances the planting, regeneration and maintenance of forests that will lock up greenhouse gases. The Foundation does her work in collaboration with local people and organisations to not only create a greener planet but also to fight against poverty. So we keep the greenhouse effect in check by contributing a modest amount to Trees for Travel to compensate your greenhouse gas emissions while participating in the Ecovolunteer project. Thus you help to make the world a better place at the same time.

The cost for climate compensation is not added to the price you pay, but is fully covered by the Ecovolunteer Program.

Please note that we only care for making your participation in the project climate neutral. Your travelling from your home to the project is not included. We recommend that you yourself will make your travels climate neutral as well. You could ask your travel agent or your airline to do so, or you can arrange that directly yourself through the Trees for Travel Foundation: Website: http://www.treesfortravel.info Mail: [email protected]