KNOWLEDGE BASE

Beavers change their environment by creating ponds and cutting down trees, altering the forest structure. This study tested whether these changes provide new foraging sites for bats in northern Poland. Researchers found more bat activity in areas modified by beavers. By cutting down trees, beavers remove forest clutter, making it easier for bats to fly. By creating ponds, beavers may create better conditions for bats' echolocation. Not all species benefitted equally, with less activity for Myotis species of bat, possibly because excessive duckweed in the water creates worse conditions for bats' echolocation when hunting.

This study analysed over 1500 hours of video footage from inside beaver dens in the USA to find out what they get up to in there! Males and females used their time in similar ways, with over 95% of time accounted for by sleeping, eating, and grooming. The activities changed according to the season; for example, adult beavers spent more time feeding inside the den in the spring. Charts are dotted throughout the paper to describe these findings. Whilst adult beavers had only one sleep cycle per day, the kits went to sleep and woke up several times.

This study explored the plant ecology of beavers' lodges in Poland. It found that beaver lodges created unique habitats for specific groups of plant species which are less common in surrounding areas. Overall, the researhers say that lodges are important for plant biodiversity,

In the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile, scientists assessed public perceptions of invasive species like the North American beaver (Castor canadensis). The results showed that people were very aware of the beaver and that they viewed them more negatively than native species. The study suggested incorporating local knowledge and public input into management strategies for invasive species control.

This paper found that beaver reintroduction can effectively rehabilitate freshwater habitats, benefiting fish populations through increased habitat heterogeneity, rearing spaces, and invertebrate production. Negative impacts include impeded fish movement, siltation of spawning areas, and low oxygen levels. Most experts view beavers as having an overall positive impact on fish populations, while some concerns relate to the movement of aquatic organisms in tributary streams and suitable spawning habitat availability.