Beavers, once extinct in Britain, are being reintroduced and are helping to prepare landscapes for drought. Their dams and channels store water, which sustains vegetation during dry periods.
This water storage also creates natural fire breaks, offering protection to wildlife and landscapes from wildfires. Studies have shown that beaver wetlands can hold significant volumes of water, with one estimate suggesting over 24 million litres in four wild beaver territories in Devon.
Research in the western US found that streamside vegetation in beaver-dammed areas was three times less affected by wildfires than comparable areas without beavers. While not a complete solution, beavers offer an additional layer of protection by creating wetter, greener corridors.
Source: Down To Earth