KNOWLEDGE BASE

In this paper, researchers analysed how much and how quickly beavers' skulls grow. Comparing two subspecies of Eurasian beaver, they found that skull growth typically finishes by age four. Some differences were noted between subspecies, with one of them - C. fiber belorussicus - growing faster than the other despite starting at a smaller size at birth. Environmental factors were also tested.

Beavers' poop - or, in scientific terms, beaver vital activity products (BVAPs) - increase nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the water. This boosts different type of plankton. Here, scientists tested how different types of plankton react to BVAPs. It found that, while large Daphnia species thrive with BVAP, small Ceriodaphnia dubia species suffered. Overall, BVAPs in beaver ponds support zooplankton communities with high abundance and high diversity. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

Written by experts, this book describes the ecology of beavers and non-lethal management options for mitigating any negative impacts beavers may have on human activity. With a focus on Britain, it describes the history of the Eurasian beaver before analysing the role of beavers in fostering biodiversity and reducing flood risk. A number of non-lethal management techniques are also described, providing valuable guidance for coexisting with beavers. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

This study tested a theory of how beavers forage by observing 27 beavers in Canada. They found that living in a higher- or lower-quality habitat (i.e. with more or less nutritious food) did not influence how much time beavers spent foraging. The time of year did have an influence, as may other factors which are suggested as future avenues of research.

In Colorado, USA, researchers studied the connection between landslides and beavers on small headwater streams. They found that streams with landslides were more likely to have beaver dams than those without. They identified that this was because landslides created parts of the stream which are less steep and more suitable for beavers.