Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 172-183 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 172 Feature Review Open Access Building Ecosystems: The Transformative Role of Beavers Dan Zhu, Shanshan Yu Cuixi Biotechnology Research Institute of the Agricultural Research Center, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author email: manman.li@hibio.org Bioscience Evidence, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0019 Received: 24 Jun, 2024 Accepted: 03 Aug., 2024 Published: 16 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu and Yu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu D., and Yu S.S., 2024, Building ecosystems: the transformative role of beavers, Bioscience Evidence, 14(4): 172-183 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0019) Abstract Beavers (Castor fiber and Castor canadensis) are renowned ecosystem engineers whose activities significantly transform river corridors and wetlands. This study synthesizes current knowledge on the transformative role of beavers in ecosystem engineering, focusing on their impacts on hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and biodiversity. Beaver dam construction alters water flow, increases surface and subsurface water storage, and modifies nutrient cycling, leading to enhanced habitat complexity and biodiversity. This study highlights the dual nature of beaver impacts, including both positive effects such as increased habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity, and negative consequences like localized flooding and vegetation death. The findings underscore the importance of considering beaver activities in river management and restoration practices to harness their ecosystem services while mitigating potential conflicts. This study aims to inform future research and management strategies as beaver populations continue to expand globally. Keywords Beavers (Castor fiber andCastor canadensis); Ecosystem engineering; Hydrology; Biodiversity; River management 1 Introduction Photosynthesis Beavers, belonging to the genus Castor, are renowned for their remarkable ability to alter their environments to suit their needs, earning them the title of quintessential ecosystem engineers. Historically, beavers were widespread across the northern hemisphere, significantly influencing the hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology of their habitats (Westbrook, 2019; Brazier et al., 2020; Larsen et al., 2021). Their activities, primarily dam building, create ponds and wetlands that support a diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial species (Lautz et al., 2018; Washko et al., 2022). The ecological significance of beavers extends beyond mere habitat creation; they play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and increasing the resilience of ecosystems to disturbances (Nummi et al., 2019; Wohl, 2020). Beavers transform ecosystems through their dam-building activities, which impound water and create extensive wetland areas. These modifications lead to increased surface and subsurface water storage, altered hydrological regimes, and enhanced habitat complexity (Westbrook, 2019; Larsen et al., 2021). The creation of beaver ponds results in a mosaic of habitats that support a wide variety of organisms, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals (Nummi et al., 2019; 2021; Andersen et al., 2023). Additionally, beaver activities influence nutrient cycling and sediment dynamics, contributing to the overall health and functionality of riverine and riparian ecosystems (Rozhkova-Timina et al., 2018; Larsen et al., 2021). The reintroduction of beavers has been shown to restore ecological processes and improve biodiversity in degraded landscapes (Wohl, 2020; Andersen et al., 2023). This study synthesizes the current scientific understanding of the transformative role of beavers in ecosystems. By examining the impacts of beaver activities on hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ecological benefits and challenges associated with beaver engineering. The scope includes both the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and the North American beaver (Castor canadensis), with a focus on their roles in contemporary landscapes across Europe and North America. This study will also explore the implications of beaver reintroduction and management for conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts.
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