KNOWLEDGE BASE

Researchers tracked beavers' movements to understand which beavers went outside their territories on 'forays,' and how often. Both breeding and non-breeding beavers conduct forays, spending up to 11% of their active time on these trips. Forays were energetically costly, suggesting they might help assess resources or potential mates. Non-breeding beavers conducted more forays, possibly to gather information before leaving home.

This study brought together over 150 studies to compare beaver dams to artificial dams - specifically considering their impacts on biodiversity, hydrology, and biochemistry. Overall, beaver dams positively impact aquatic environments, with many effects varying by pond age. Some of these effects were similar to those of artifical dams, but some were not - for example, artifical dams may lead to greater nutrient retention in the pond.

Introduced beavers have thrived in southern Patagonia due to habitat availability and absence of predators. This article demonstrates for the first time that Culpeo foxes, an endangered native species in this area, prey on beavers under natural conditions. The event was caught on video and analysed for this article. This interaction suggests foxes may help control beaver populations in this area.

The study aimed to understand what trees Eurasian beavers prefer in different sites in eastern Poland. Willows, aspens, and alders were most commonly cut. Tree size and proximity to water also influenced the likelihood of a given tree being cut.

This study in Norway looked at Eurasian beaver behaviour and birthing times and how this overlaps with Norway's hunting season. Researchers found that younger beavers are more likely to be shot, regardless of sex. Pregnant females' movement patterns are similar to other beavers'. However, after giving birth (most commonly in mid-May), females are less active for a time, which enabled them to avoid hunters in the spring season. This may change as climate change affects the seasons.