Gerhard Schwab

Advisory Board Member

Gerhard Schwab is a prominent wildlife biologist and one of Europe’s most influential figures in Eurasian beaver recovery, widely recognised as the “Beaver Godfather” of Europe. Over decades of hands-on fieldwork, he has helped shape both the science and the practical reality of beaver restoration across the continent.

Gerhard earned a Master of Science in wildlife management in Colorado in 1988, and on returning to Germany that same year, carried out an intensive four-year review of Bavarian beavers—examining population status, distribution, and the emerging challenges of human–wildlife conflict. Since 1996, he has served as Beaver Manager for Southern Bavaria, overseeing management and coexistence strategies for a population of approximately 25,000 beavers.

Gerhard has played a pivotal role in restoring beavers across Europe by organising the translocation of surplus animals from Bavaria. He has supported reintroduction efforts in more than ten countries, coordinating the transport and release of around 1,000 beavers—including key projects in Croatia, Belgium, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia. His tireless cross-border work earned him the nickname the “Pablo Escobar of Beavers,” reflecting the determination and speed with which he helped return beavers to former habitats.

Known for his pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, Gerhard advocates strongly for human–wildlife coexistence. His well-known “20-metre rule”—giving rivers sufficient space on either side—offers a practical pathway to resolving the vast majority of human–beaver conflicts. He has also helped build long-term capacity through training programmes, preparing over 700 local beaver consultants to manage impacts and support communities on the ground.