Ecovolunteer nature travel : help in beaver research in Poland. The Carpathian Mountains are the legendary green backbone of Central Europe. They are one of the few remaining places in Europe where it is still possible to observe many rare and endangered species of predatory birds and mammals. It is an area of outstanding beauty and features unique plant species and ecosystems. The biodiversity of the area is very rich and well protected due to the low human pressure (only 5-people/sq km) and the establishment of the Reserve of Biosphere Eastern Carpathians and several National Parks. Although retaining a diverse fauna and flora, one very important species, the beaver, has been missing since the fifteenth century. 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 floods. Consequently, a programme to re-establish populations of beavers in the Carpathians commenced in 1992 and Andrzej Czech and his team have now released 150 beavers. Many of these beavers built dams and canals but, because of harsh 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. Your help is required to restore the beaver to its rightful place as an integral and important part of Carpathian natural history. beavers, castor fiber, rodents, poland, bieszczady mountains, bieszczady national park, andrzej czech, nature travel, ecotourism