KNOWLEDGE BASE

Some people were concerned that beavers may increase streams' water temperature beyond that which is healthy for certain fish. This eight-year study in the USA found that beaver dams actually made water temperature changes less extreme and created a more appropriate temperature range for local fish such as the steelhead. This suggests that beaver dam creation (by beavers or those mimicked by humans) could help counteract the impacts of the climate crisis, benefiting sensitive species like the steelhead.

Researchers examined the eye structure of Eurasian beavers, seeking to work out how good their vision is in air and water. Beavers have adapted to be able to see in both environments, however the findings showed that beavers have significantly better vision - in terms of resolution and ability to focus - above water than under it. This was the first study to analyse the Eurasian beaver's visual system. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This study followed Eurasian beavers over 18 years to understand why they stay in their territories for different lengths of time. They found that beavers which arrived in a territory when they were older stayed longer, likely because they were bigger. Medium-sized territories were best for long stays, suggesting larger ones were too hard to patrol and smaller ones lacked resources. Holding a territory led to more baby beavers, showing how important these decisions are for their survival.

In Norway, scientists investigated growth and reproduction in 59 female beavers. They found that beavers often first became parents around age two or three, but sometimes later. Pregnancy was more common in heavier, fatter beavers. It was fairly common for female beavers to take a year off reproducing. They also explore how nutrition across the different seasons affects beaver reproduction.

This book features 37 essays exploring a wide range of organisms from viruses to plants to beavers and other animals. It looks at their lives and their role in folklore and scientific discoveries. This showcases how nature's solutions inspire human innovation. The essays are said to be engaging and humorous. Please note, this resource is not open-access.