A model of wetland vegetation dynamics in simulated beaver impoundments

摘要: Beavers alter environments to provide food and habitat necessary support themselves, consequently have a significant effect on vegetation structure at both the local landscape scale. I constructed simulation model of allogenic wetland succession as an initial step in exploring important factors affecting trends for areas disturbed by beaver impoundment. The is based general relationships basic community life history traits, how each responds hydrologic disturbance. Vegetation takes place within framework hypothetical pond, characterized seasonally fluctuating regime periodic flood A submodel sediment accumulation also included. Model results are consistent with past studies change, which indicate that impoundment may long-lasting effects composition. Sensitivity analysis indicates particularly sensitive outside seed sources. Based model, parameters requiring additional quantification include sources riparian river drainages, growth mortality functions elevated above water table.