Dynamics of Territorial Occupation by North American Beavers in Canadian Boreal Forests: A Novel Dendroecological Approach

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