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 650 articles
Absence of hantavirus in water voles and Eurasian beavers in Britain
Published by: Veterinary Record
23rd February 2019
This study tested samples from beavers and water voles for a type of virus which is an emerging disease risk in Europe. All samples were negative, suggesting that these species (at least in these places) are unlikely to be carrying the virus. Please note, this resource is not open-access.
Features of population and distribution dynamics of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L) in the Kursk Region
Published by: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
19th February 2019
The Eurasian beaver population in Russia's Kursk region dropped significantly in the late 20th century but has been increasing since. This paper describes the results of surveys conducted from 2013 to 2018 to understand local beaver population trends. The paper includes a description of how beavers behave and where in the region they prefer to make their home. The aim of the paper is to inform future management decisions, as populations and damage to forests are said to be growing.
De novo characterization of placental transcriptome in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.)
Published by: Functional and Integrative Genomics
18th February 2019
This study was the first to analyse the genetics of a Eurasian beaver placenta. Specifically, they decoded a group of genetic features called the transcriptome. Within, scientists identified over 200 million pieces of coding information and compared them with other rodent species to identify which bits of the transcriptome may serve which purpose. This may help scientists better understand beaver reproduction.
This paper explores the opportunity of combining urban ecological restoration with the engineering behaviours of beavers. It analyses three case studies in Seattle, USA, to understand how landscape architects and ecologists are incorporating beavers into urban designs to enhance ecosystem functions and reduce potential conflicts. The paper includes maps of each site to show how beavers have impacted the original designs.
Published by: Climatic Change
15th February 2019
Forests play a crucial role in storing carbon. Researchers here studied how invasive beavers impact carbon storage in Chilean forests. The results showed that invasive beavers had led to significant carbon losses by cutting down trees. The authors suggested that this is an aspect of climate and deforestation contexts which required more attention.
Differences in habitat use between the native Eurasian beaver and the invasive North American beaver in Finland
Published by: Biological Invasions
8th February 2019
This Finnish study showed that the North American beaver occupies similar habitats to the Eurasian beaver. Both show a lot of adaptability, even if Eurasian beavers tend to live a little closer to agricultural areas. Overall, managing habitat quality did not appear to be a sufficient approach for controlling the invasive North American beaver species.
