Science database

KNOWLEDGE BASE

We have gathered decades of scientific research from Great Britain, continental Europe and North America to share with people interested in diving deeper into the world of beavers.

This list of resources is being constantly amended and updated.

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Effects of prescribed fire on habitat of beaver (Castor canadensis) in Elk Island National Park, Canada

Published by: Forest Ecology and Management

15th February 2007

Today's land managers face challenges like fire, drought, and climate change. Balancing these requires understanding how they interact. While prescribed fires are used for ecological restoration, their impact on beavers isn't well-understood. In Elk Island National Park, Canada, researchers studied how prescribed fires affect beaver lodges. Repeated fires reduced beaver presence and beaver habitat. More research is called for to be able to effectively manage this ecosystem. Please note, this resource is not open-access.

North American Beaver (Castor canadensis): a technical conservation assessment

Published by: USDA Forest Service

6th February 2007

This report assessed the status of beaver populations in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Despite the pressure of habitat destruction, populations appeared to be stable or growing. Improved trapping regulations, habitat protection, and population restoration efforts had helped. The report acknowledges the damage that beavers can cause in some areas, but says that their presence is usually desirable because of their ability to maintain healthy ecosystems. The report says that conservation efforts should focus on protecting habitats and pro-actively managing any damage issues and human conflicts.

Management by Assertion: Beavers and Songbirds at Lake Skinner (Riverside County, California)

Published by: Environmental Management

1st February 2007

This text discusses the management of an ecological reserve in California, USA. In this case, beavers were suspected of harming endangered songbirds and facilitating an invasive plant. This suspicion was not based in scientific evidence and, indeed, the scientific evidence suggested that the opposite was true. Nevertheless, a programme was started which permitted beavers' 'removal,' leading to unnecessary beaver deaths. The text highlights the importance of using scientific evidence for decision-making in reserve management.

Cladocerans under conditions of small river damming by man and beavers

Published by: Russian Journal of Ecology

1st February 2007

Cladocerans are small, freshwater crustaceans which fish feed on. This study shows that beaver ponds support a greater diversity and abundance of these animals than free-flowing riverwater or water behind man-made dams. Females of a specific cladoceran species produced more offspring in beaver pond water than in river water. The authors note that this is not only due to how fast the water is flowing but also nutrients in the water.

Wolf reintroduction to Scotland: public attitudes and consequences for red deer management

Published by: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

30th January 2007

In Scotland, there is a debate about reintroducing wolves to control red deer populations which impact forests and farming. Simulations suggest wolf reintroduction could benefit conservation by reducing deer numbers and cutting the costs of deer control. Public opinion generally supports wolf reintroduction, although farmers have concerns. A small proportion of respondents to the survey said they preferred the idea of re-introducing other species such as beavers rather than wolves.

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