The effects of beaver in riverbank forest succession

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of beaver [Castor canadensis Kuhl.] cutting on forest succession were studied on the banks of the lower Chippewa River in west central Wisconsin, U.S.A. Beavers were often found to be selective in their choice of woody plants, preferring ash [Fraxinus pennsylvanica] and yellowbud hickory [Carya cordiformis], over all other species present. The effect of beaver cutting on tree density was substantial, with greatly reduced densities of trees in areas inhabited by beavers. The effects of beaver on the predicted composition of future generations of trees was also substantial. A major reduction in density is predicted for future populations of ash, hickory, and hackberry [Celtis occidentalis] in areas of beaver activity, with a concomitant increase in the density of basswood and elm and possibly silver maple and prickly ash [Tilia americana, Ulmus americana, Acer saccharinum and Zanthoxylum americanum, respectively].