KNOWLEDGE BASE

This study explores how a specific set of genes - the Major Histocompatibility Complex - vary in beavers. In general, these genes are very diverse in animals but scientists found limited variation in most of the beaver populations studied. This lack of diversity may be due to the population bottleneck created by over-hunting. The authors set out some implications for beaver conservation.

Researchers in Estonia found that, during drier years, fish migrated downstream for refuge. In rivers with beaver dams, fish migration was blocked, leading to fish death in reservoirs above dams. After the drought, fish came back, but beaver dams again hindered this process. Beaver dams may impede fish restoration after environmental disturbances like droughts. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

The beaver is uniquely adapted for swimming, with a streamlined body and webbed feet. This document studies the function of the beaver tail. The tail has a muscular base and a flattened "paddle." The tail is shown to propel the beaver through water by undulating. This adds to the power from the paddling of the beavers' hind feet. This observation is said to be consistent with how biologists think mammals evolved towards life in the water. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This study monitored a population of beavers translocated from the Czech Republic to the Netherlands. At the new site, willow trees budded sooner in the year than at the old site. Willow is a key food for beavers and the nutritional quality of leaves reduce as they mature. The authors suggest that this likely contributed to a low reproductive rate in the translocated beaver population as they were unable to get sufficient nutrients during gestation in spring. This study illustrates one of beavers' possible challenges facing the climate crisis. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This vividly-illustrated book offers a diverse array of ecological tales, showcasing how animals navigate the boundaries set by their physiology and environment. One chapter recounts the story of the beaver's return to the Netherlands. Please note, this resource is not open-access.