KNOWLEDGE BASE

Beavers are well-known for cutting trees - even hardwoods. This study tried to understand how beavers' teeth have evolved to be virtually perfect for the job. It found that beavers' lower incisors are shaped, and supported by tissues, which mean they can withstand compression stress. The cutting angle is comparable to sharp steel cutting tools, ensuring efficient cutting and self-sharpening.

This article demonstrates the vital role that beavers play in creating deadwood, which is scarce in human-managed landscapes. By damming rivers, beavers flood forests, leading to tree death. Comparing deadwood in beaver-influenced areas to control sites in Finland showed that beavers generate abundant deadwood, including rare types like snags. This enriches biodiversity. Utilising beavers for deadwood restoration is a cost-effective management option. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

In this article, scientists examined activity patterns of Eurasian beavers reintroduced into an area of Belgium without predators. Beavers here were mainly active at dawn, dusk, and during the night. Unexpectedly, activity increased during bright moonlight. This is not dissimilar to beaver behaviour in areas with predators. The absence of predators hasn't relaxed their nocturnal habits, possibly influenced by historical human persecution.

The return of Eurasian beavers in Europe is a success story. While the process is well-documented, aspects of their spread remained unclear - this study proposed using a theory called Skellam's model to understand how beaver populations spread. They studied six catchments in the Czech Republic to reveal the pattern of beaver population expansion. Pioneer individuals led the way, but repeated waves of colonisation were needed to establish populations (rather than a single individual settling and starting a population).

Beavers have been vital components of North American ecosystems for millennia. Colonial fur traders from Europe disrupted their habitats and populations. This book explores humanity's relationship with beavers in North America over the last 15,000 years. It looks at beavers' significance in both human and non-human worlds as well as modern conservation efforts. Please note, this resource is not open-access.