Beaver populations and their relation to wetland habitat and breeding waterfowl in Maine

摘要: The influence of beaver (Castor canadensis) trapping on and waterfowl densities wetland habitat is not well understood, this information needed by managers trying to balance harvest complaints nuisance with the abundance wetlands waterfowl. During 1988–92 in south-central Maine, we determined density colonies harvest, characteristics, breeding pairs a 111-km2 site recently closed similar open trapping. Density increased from 0.15 0.32/km2 (113%) untrapped but changed little (0.19–0.20/km2) trapped site. number dams maintained were correlated (r=0.99, n=4,P=0.009) (r=−0.18, n=4,P=0.820). Number was during 1989–92 (r=0.92, n=4,P=0.081) (r=−0.13, n=4,P=0.875). Total surface area water 115 158 ha (36%); remained stable area. Species that included Canada geese (Branta (4–9/100 km2), hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) (23–29/100 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) (7–12/100 km2). Numbers used each species Overall, ≥1-year closure sufficient increase colonies, whereas 2–3 year necessary habitat. More than 3–4 years may be required begin influencing