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 774 articles
Beavers, livestock, and riparian synergies: Bringing small mammals into the picture
Published by: U.S. Department of Agriculture
1st January 2018
This book chapter discusses the role that beavers play in healthy river ecosystems in the USA. Beavers support diverse predator communities and regulate plant growth. Ecology aside, the text also briefly describes the reasons why beavers were over-hunted in the USA: their fur was an important export to Europe in the 1800s. The chapter mentions the damage that livestock can do to riverside ecosystems and discusses restoration strategies.
Survey of Beaver-related Restoration Practices in Rangeland Streams of the Western USA
Published by: Environmental Management
1st January 2018
This study analysed almost 100 real-world beaver restoration projects in the western USA. It found most projects did not consider beaver genetics, disease, or human conflict; most did not undertake any post-release monitoring. Overall, the research on best practice for such projects is not being matched by projects in practice: the authors suggested that additional guidelines should be written up to help improve the situation.
North American Beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl) Key Habitat Characteristics: Review of the Relative Effects of Geomorphology, Food Availability and Anthropogenic Infrastructure
Published by: Ecoscience
1st January 2018
This article reviewed and compared the variety of computer models used to predict where beavers will settle down and make their home in North American river systems. These models are useful, amongst other things, for preventing damage to human infrastructure. The models varied quite a lot, but some factors were consistently applied: stream steepness and forest cover were important influences in beavers' decisions.
The effect of social organization on genetic estimates of fitness in Eurasian beaver Castor fiber
Published by: University of South-Eastern Norway
1st January 2018
This research focussed on the mating decisions of Eurasian beavers and the life of beaver couples. In general, beavers preferred partners of similar age and were mostly monogamous. However, some older females mate with younger 'boy-toy' males who are not in the established pair. The research explores why this might be, and how age also affects territories. Please note, this resource is not open-access.
Secrets of the Snout: The Dog’s Incredible Nose
Published by: University of Chicago Press
1st January 2018
With up to 300 million receptors, a dog's nose is incredibly sensitive. Dogs can help in tasks such as detecting cancer or narcotics. This book showcases various working dogs, including dogs which were being trained for distinguishing between the native Eurasian and the invasive North American beaver in Finland. Please note, this resource is not open-access.