Science database
KNOWLEDGE BASE
We have gathered decades of scientific research from Great Britain, continental Europe and North America to share with people interested in diving deeper into the world of beavers.
This list of resources is being constantly amended and updated.
Showing 774 articles
Prevalence of Agglutinating Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona in Beavers (Castor canadensis) From Massachusetts
Published by: Journal of Parasitology
1st October 2005
Researchers investigated the presence of two parasites in beavers from Massachusetts, USA. 62 blood samples were collected and tested showing a low overall prevalence: 10% of samples were positive for T. gondii and 6% for S. neurona. The presence of these parasites in beavers suggests they have been ingesting it from nearby water or foliage, possibly as a result of contamination by cats or opossums.
Selection of in-stream wood structures by beaver in the Bear River, Southwest Washington
Published by: Northwestern Naturalist
1st September 2005
In efforts to restore habitats for Pacific salmon, wood structures are often placed in streams to encourage beaver activity. This is because beaver dams create pools for young salmon. This study discovered that beavers used only three types of structure in the Bear River, USA, to build dams. The researchers developed a model to predict which structure beavers were likely to use, based on the features of the structures and their environment. This helps design better wood placement projects for salmon habitat restoration.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium in mammalian wildlife – current status and future needs
Published by: Trends in Parasitology
1st September 2005
Pollution from human and animal waste can spread diseases to wild animals. This article looks at how two parasites affect various land and sea mammals, wild and captive. The analysis is based on different animals' fecal samples, including beavers. The disease caused by one of the parasites is sometimes called 'beaver fever' in North America because beavers are often implicated in its spread.
Comment – A trial reintroduction of the European Beaver
Published by: British Wildlife
1st August 2005
This text reports on correspondence between the author and Scottish authorities on the hold-up in making a decision about the Knapdale Forest beaver trial. Please note, this resource is not open-access.
Human Activity Mediates a Trophic Cascade Caused by Wolves
Published by: Ecology
1st August 2005
In this article, researchers report on how the wolf's return to a Canadian National Park affected local ecology. Wolves avoided areas with high human activity, creating two areas that could be compared. In the low-wolf area, elk numbers were higher, leading to greater browsing of willow and aspen. This reduced beaver numbers, measured by a lower density of beave rlodges. This study highlights how wolves' presence can affect the entire ecosystem, and how human activity has a large role in shaping that effect.