The impacts of beavers Castor spp. on biodiversity and the ecological basis for their reintroduction to Scotland, UK

摘要: In Scotland, UK, beavers became extinct about 400 years ago. Currently, two wild populations are present in Scotland on a trial basis, and the case for their full reintroduction is currently being considered by Scottish ministers. Beavers widely ‘ecosystem engineers’. Indeed, have large impacts environment, fundamentally change ecosystems, create unusual habitats, often unique. this review, we investigate mechanisms which act as ecosystem engineers, then discuss possible of biodiversity Scotland. A meta-analysis published studies beavers’ interactions with was conducted, balance positive negative plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals recorded. The showed that, overall, an overwhelmingly influence biodiversity. Beavers’ ability to modify environment means that they increase habitat heterogeneity. As central-place foragers feed only close proximity watercourses, herbivory unevenly spread landscape. addition, beaver ponds associated unique successional stages heterogeneity both spatially temporally. also ecosystems through creation variety features such dams lodges, important standing dead wood (after inundation), woody debris, graded edge between terrestrial aquatic habitats rich structural complexity. In widespread expected, if reintroduced. For instance, activity should provide otter Lutra lutra, great crested newt Triturus cristatus water vole Arvicola amphibious, all species conservation importance. Beavers most likely detrimental certain woodland importance, Atlantic hazelwood climax community aspen Populus tremula woodland. A lack regeneration caused high deer abundance could lead degradation or loss. These particular importance due dependent interest, lichen communities hazelwoods.