Beavers make comeback in Transylavania

Beavers have been absent from Romania for 200 years

Forty Bavarian beavers have been released into the rivers of Transylvania in western Romania, as part of a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) scheme aimed at reviving Romania's ecosystems.

Beavers had lived in Transylvania until just 200 years ago, but they died out due to excessive hunting and work on river banks.

Now as part of an initiative co-ordinated by the WWF they are being introduced into the region once more.

According to forestry authorities the beavers were transported in special trucks from southern Germany, before being released into the Olt River between the towns of Brasov and Covasna.

Round-the-clock protection

Two guards will monitor the beavers 24 hours a day as they settle into the lodges that have been specially built for them.

The beavers are also protected by the law and signs have been erected all over the surrounding area warning people to leave them alone.