Consequences of the activities of Eurasian beaver on local plants and vegetation cover – an overview

Abstract

The Eurasian beaver has a significant impact on biotic and abiotic resources, thus it is known as an “ecosystem engineer”. Currently, the beaver population in Eurasia is estimated at more than 1.4 million individuals due to successful reintroductions in many countries. The recognition of its impact on ecosystems is increasing every year, therefore this article summarizes the current knowledge of how the Eurasian beaver affects the local flora and vegetation in the area where it settles. Beavers initiate a transformation of their closest surroundings with the dams and ponds they create by forming wetlands, and the newly developed vegetation is richer in plant species than previously. Beaver activities lead to a decrease in local woody plant resources and an increase in the species diversity of herbaceous plants. Beavers also cause damage to agricultural crops when they feed on cultivated plants. Observed changes can vary over time and landscape scales due to local conditions and persistence of beaver occurrence. Understanding how beavers affect plants and vegetation may be helpful not only in the protection of the species itself, but also in better management of the areas where they occur.

Keywords

• castor fiber
• herbivore
• riparian ecosystems
• keystone species
• vegetation changes