KNOWLEDGE BASE

This study involved radio-tracking ten pairs of Eurasian beavers to understand how their territories and patterns of movement varied between pairs and their neighbours. Beavers in pairs showed similar territory sizes and movement patterns regardless of sex. The territory for each member of the pair overlapped a lot, and overlapped very little with their neighbours. Both sexes spent equal time at the borders of their territory, although males tended to move more at night.

Researchers found that beavers preferentially cut down cottonwood trees over invasive species like Russian olive and tamarisk. They focus their foraging near river channels, creating sunny areas that promote the growth of the invasive species, leading to faster growth. The researchers warn that those wishing to reintroduce beavers along these rivers in Montana, USA, should consider the potential effect on invasive plant species.

Woody debris in rivers can provide important habitat, on the one hand, and increase flood risk, on the other. This study examined woody debris on the Rhône river in France. Most wood came from natural sources, with 83% broken or cut by beavers. The results also showed that more frequent floods led to more woody debris on the river. The larger pieces of wood (diameter >12.5cm) were mostly human-cut. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

Researchers monitored 47 female wood ducks to understand their habitat use during the period of egg production. Habitat preferences varied between different ducks. Older ducks - and ducks making their nest early - tended to prefer beaver ponds as a habitat more than younger ducks and those who made their nests late. Overall, ducks adapted to different wetlands for breeding, and the authors suggest that habitat diversity is vital for their reproduction. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

The last century of environmental changes in Nova Scotia is described, drawing on literature, community knowledge, and personal experience. The complex interactions of disease, human activity, and animal expansion are set out. The restoration of beavers is considered one of the major events of this history.