KNOWLEDGE BASE

In this study, researchers explored how man-made dams, which regulate the flow of a river, affect beaver populations. To do so, they compared two rivers - one free-flowing, and the other regulated. They found that, in this case, beavers benefitted from flow regulation. The regulated river had more islands which allowed the river to support willow trees for beavers to eat. The beavers on the regulated river lived at a higher population density and had larger body sizes.

Over 12 years, researchers studied beaver dispersal in the USA. Most beavers (74%) dispersed downstream after the ice melted. Females traveled farther from the colonies where they were born than males, with many males choosing to settle at the next available site. Most of the beavers leaving the place where they were born were 2 years old.

This book - the product of a beaver conference in Spain - contains 17 chapters. Overall, the book talks about different aspects of beavers' protection, distribution, and management (as it stood around the turn of the millenium), with groups of chapters on the Eurasian beaver and the North American beaver. It explores themes such as beaver behaviour, foraging, and population dynamics. On the conservation side, there are chapters describing the context of beaver management in different countries as well as how beavers can be allies in broader ecological restoration efforts. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This book recounts the history of British mammals from the end of the ice age, 15,000 years ago, to the present day. Drawing on scientific and archaeological evidence, the book describes how Britain has lost many large mammals (including the beaver) and has slowly replaced them with domestic animals - this includes an analysis of how beavers can still be seen in some British place names. The text also discusses whether intervention is needed to restore ecological balance. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

Fatty acids are a group of common molecules found in animal fat. This study reported on an analysis of fatty acids in different mammals. It found that beavers had high levels of a specific class of fatty acids called Δ9-monounsaturated fatty acids, which may allow them to adapt to colder temperatures. Please note, this resource is not open-access.