Short-Term Plant Successions Following the Colonization of a Northern Swedish Lake by the Muskrat, Ondatra zibethica

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Abstract
Short-term plant successions were studied in an Equisetum stand following muskrat colonization. The site was a shallow lake in coastal northern Sweden. Vegetational changes were investigated using air photographs and belt transects in the field. Muskrat settlement resulted in a reduction of Equisetum and Schoenoplectus and the creation of an area of open water around the house site. The area of open water was subsequently colonized by submerged hydrophytes (Myriophyllum spp., Potamogeton obtusifolius and Sparganium minimum). If the site was later abandoned by the muskrats for several years, or only utilized to a minor extent, Equisetum stands recovered, forcing the zone of submerged hydrophytes towards the center. A model of the short-term plant successions initiated by muskrat settlement was made for a stand of emergent hydrophytes. The potential value of muskrats in waterfowl management is discussed.

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