KNOWLEDGE BASE

Beaver ponds alter streams, creating more spots with still water rather than flowing water. This favours different species. This study looked at beaver dams' impact on tiny organisms called zooplankton in Polish streams. The dams led to more zooplankton which are often found in reservoirs - another still-water environment. The diversity of zooplankton also increased downstream of the dams.

Researchers analysed the digestive systems of North American beavers and moose; the beaver was studied by taking poo samples. The study was looking for enzymes useful for digesting woody material and their associated gene. The study found over 9,000 related genes, with many differences in enzyme profiles between the two animals.

This study compared the water quality in a stream and compared it to a beaver pond in Russia. It aimed to understand how beavers' excrement impacts on the chemical and biological characteristics of the river water. Beaver activity increased phosphorus in the water, boosted chlorophyll and also increased the amount of tiny organisms called bacterioplankton. The text describes some of the interplays between different plankton.

A review of the reintroduction of beavers to Scotland, of the extensive assessments and research that informed the Scottish Governments decision to allow the two 'trial' populations to expand naturally and to give them legal protection. The research confirmed that beavers have a positive impact on biodiversity overall and provide ecosystem services. However, appropriate management techniques and collaboration with stakeholders are needed to address potential conflicts and ensure successful coexistence.

The study focuses on beaver-assisted wetland restoration in an area of Scotland where agriculture has had a negative ecological impact. Over 12 years, beavers increased the number of plant species and the diversity of habitats - beyond what human restoration could have achieved. This highlights beavers' potential in wetland restoration alongside their known benefits in water management.