Ecosystem Alteation of Boreal Forest Streams by Beaver (Castor Canadensis)

Ecology ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1254-1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Naiman ◽  
Jerry M. Melillo ◽  
John E. Hobbie
1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 529-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim E. Ford ◽  
Robert J. Naiman

In boreal forest drainage networks, beaver (Castor canadensis) apparently influence the biogeochemical cycling of carbon by creating conditions for sediment accumulation in streams, providing anoxic conditions suitable for significant methanogenesis. To test this assumption we measured methane evasion rates in streams, ranging in size from first to sixth order, in the Matamek River drainage network, Quebec, Canada. Evasion rates varied between 0.04 and 4.41 g C (CH4)∙m−2∙year−1. There was no correlation between stream size or water temperature and evasion rate. However, methane evasion was 33-fold greater in beaver ponds than at other sites, representing 3.6% of the measured annual carbon output. In contrast, methane evasion accounted for only 0.05–0.5% of the annual carbon output from sites not modified by beaver.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1179-1187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jani Heino ◽  
Jari Ilmonen ◽  
Juho Kotanen ◽  
Heikki Mykrä ◽  
Lauri Paasivirta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 2200-2214 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. VEHANEN ◽  
A. HUUSKO ◽  
A. MÄKI-PETÄYS ◽  
P. LOUHI ◽  
H. MYKRÄ ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas T. Braithwaite ◽  
Azim U. Mallik

1989 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl E. Corning ◽  
Hamish C. Duthie ◽  
Brian J. Paul

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1955-1966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Mossop ◽  
Michael J Bradford

The importance of large woody debris (LWD) in forested stream ecosystems is well documented. However, little is known about LWD in northern boreal forest streams. We investigated the abundance, characteristics, and function of LWD in 13 small tributary streams of the upper Yukon River basin, Yukon Territory, Canada. LWD abundance was similar to values reported from temperate regions, whereas LWD size and total volume were well below values for the Pacific Northwest. LWD formed 28% of the pools, which provide important habitat for juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Walbaum). The median diameter of pool-forming pieces was 17 cm, and ring counts on fallen riparian trees indicated that pool-forming pieces were likely 70–200 years old when downed. Juvenile chinook salmon density was correlated with LWD abundance in our study reaches. We conclude that despite differences in climate and forest type, LWD in Yukon streams and LWD in temperate regions appear to perform a similar function in creating fish habitat. Resource managers should consider the relatively slow tree growth and thus potentially long recovery times following human disturbances in these watersheds.


Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie-Pascale Labrecque-Foy ◽  
Hubert Morin ◽  
Miguel Montoro Girona

Research Highlights: Our study highlights a new, simple, and effective method for studying the habitat use by beavers in Canadian boreal forests. Information regarding the presence of beaver colonies and their habitat occupation is essential for proper forest management and damage prevention in the boreal forest. Background and Objectives: The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a major element of natural disturbance, altering the dynamics and structure of boreal forest landscapes. Beaver-related activities also affect human infrastructure, cause floods, and lead to important monetary losses for forestry industries. Our study aimed to determine the spatiotemporal patterns of beaver occupation of lodges over time. Materials and Methods: Using a dendroecological approach to date browsing activity, we studied the occupation of two lodges per water body for eight water bodies located in the boreal forest of Québec, Canada. Results: Three sites showed alternating patterns of lodge use (occupation) over time, three sites (37.5%) demonstrated no alternating patterns of use, and two sites (25%) presented unclear patterns of lodge use. Conclusions: Alternating patterns of lodge use can be linked to food depletion and the need to regenerate vegetation around lodges, while non-alternating patterns may be related to fluctuations in water levels, the specific shrub and tree species surrounding the lodges, the size of the beaver territory, and the number of lodges present on a water body.


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