International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 217-228 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 22 5 Figure 2 Beaver pond construction in permafrost and idealized cross-section (Adopted from Tape et al., 2022) Image caption: Stream flowing through ice-rich permafrost into a lake in a 1955 aerial photograph (note ice wedge polygons), and in a 2020 GeoEye satellite image showing multiple beaver dams and ponds (enlarged black areas denoted by red dots). Lower panels a & b portray (1) observed impoundment by beaver dams and (2) theoretical changes resulting from increased heat absorption, enhanced groundwater flow, permafrost thaw, and subsidence (Adopted from Tape et al., 2022) 7.2 Changes in hydrological ecological effects under the background of climate change Global warming and more extreme weather may alter the way beaver projects function. Rising temperatures could expand their range and increase their impact. In the Arctic tundra, for example, their spread is linked to more vegetation and shorter freezing periods caused by warming (Tape et al., 2022). But changing water conditions may also affect dam stability. Heavy rain and floods may destroy dams, reducing their flood control function. Long droughts may dry out wetlands, pushing beavers to migrate. Climate change may also reshape wetland services. During long dry periods, wetlands can play a larger role in storing water and cooling the environment. Yet warm winters may bring more methane emissions, reducing their role as carbon sinks. These trade-offs must be carefully weighed (Fairfax and Westbrook, 2024). 7.3 Social acceptance and policy support mechanism construction The future of beaver protection depends on society and policy as much as on science. Public and stakeholder awareness of their value is key to long-term success (Hohm et al., 2024). Experience shows that projects succeed more often in regions with stronger public support (Oliveira et al., 2023). Laws and policies also matter. While some European countries list beavers as protected, actual management often lacks clear guidance. Because their activities cross administrative borders, policies must promote cross-regional cooperation. Europe can learn from its endangered species protection efforts by setting up international monitoring, data sharing, and joint studies on population dynamics, gene flow, and disease spread. Together, these actions can form a pan-European strategy (Halley et al., 2021). Bringing beaver protection into broader resource and climate policies will also help secure more funding and stronger institutional backing.
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