On July 31st, we mark International Rangers’ Day – a day dedicated to those who, alongside ecologists, biologists, and other specialists, actively contribute to protecting nature and biodiversity.

Established in 1992 by the International Ranger Federation, the day is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of those who work quietly but are deeply involved in the field. From monitoring wildlife to helping local communities co-exist with animals, rangers play a vital role in maintaining the balance between man and nature. With professionalism, courage, and dedication, they serve as the essential link between conservation, science, and the community.

Nicknamed the “ecosystem engineer,” the beaver (Castor fiber) is one of the keystone species of the ecosystem. After being extinct for over a century in Romania, 182 beavers were reintroduced into the wild between 1998 and 2003. As a species protected under the Habitats Directive, the population has recovered spectacularly, and today, we can say that it is stable and viable in Romania. The most recent observations made by Rewilding Romania field teams show the presence of the beaver in the upper basin of the Timiș River, in the commune of Teregova, Caras-Severin county, and on the Strei River, in the commune of Bretea Română, Hunedoara county. These observations are the first in the above-mentioned areas and show that the species is expanding its territory.