A geographical information system (GIS)-based model, including major parameters of topography, hydrology and vegetation, was developed to assess suitable habitats for beavers in the Federal Province of Salzburg, Austria. BeaversCastor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 are on the verge of their distribution in the study area. At present, the 18 existing colonies show a rather scattered pattern, which suggests that the sub-population has not yet reached its carrying capacity, and a rapid growth phase as seen in other regions is expected. Suitable habitats have been calculated for the regions Alpenvorland, Salzburger Becken, Kalkvoralpen and Kalkhochalpen. Here optimal habitat is covering 429 ha (meeting all requirements of beavers) and suboptimal habitat is covering 187 ha (meeting all requirements except a winter food source). This represents 3.4% optimal and 1.5% sub-optimal habitat of the total available area. There are 13–14 suitable regions large enough to host at least one beaver colony. A total of 31 (23–51) colonies were calculated by the model. Based on the current sub-population of 18 colonies (36–100 animals), an average increase of 72% was expected. In an intensively managed landscape, beaver-human conflict should be anticipated and management policies established. Continuous assessment of suitable, unsuitable and sensitive habitats, extending existing conservation areas and river bank habitats, and pursuing protective measures against individuals causing conflicts are presented for the study areas.
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