KNOWLEDGE BASE

This article explores the idea that certain inherited traits in a single species of tree can impact whole ecosystems. These traits are known as "community and ecosystem phenotypes." The authors give an example of this process and beavers are central to it. By selectively foraging for poplars with low levels of a chemical called a 'tannin,' beavers drive a chain of natural selection across an entire ecosystem. Understanding these processes will help scientists understand the impacts of climate change. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This paper proposes a strategy for controlling beaver populations to balance their ecological benefits and the conflicts that can arise with human interests. The authors developed a computer model that considers the distribution as well as the migration of beaver populations. The method aims to be user-friendly and can be used by non-expert wildlife managers to maintain a healthy beaver population in specific areas.

This report presents ten case studies cases where biodiversity loss has led to socioeconomic and financial costs. The case of beaver re-introduction to Germany is one of the ten presented. The study highlights that beavers provide benefits for freshwater purification, nutrient cycling, recreation, and ecotourism. Annex 9 presents the full case study, including a cost-benefit analysis of the beavers' reintroduction, concluding that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

In the river-side forests of the western USA, cottonwood trees are common. Beavers also browse on cottonwood a lot. This study investigated how the act of beavers eating these trees influences the abundance of an insect called the leaf-galling sawfly. Results showed that the flies were far more common on trees beavers had eaten rather than trees they hadn't. The flies were commonly found on the cottonwood shoots. By eating, beavers increased the average shoot length of the cottonwood, creating more space for more flies.

The engineering activities of the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber have far-reaching effects on the components of an environment and therefore modify the functioning of the ecosystem.
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of beavers on terrestrial birds wintering on beaver sites in temperate forests of central Europe.
The study found greater species richness was related to beaver presence, with results highlighting the importance of beavers for the distribution of terrestrial organisms at the local scale, and therefore the functioning of ecosystems beyond the immediate wetland area.