Each month, we select a published research paper relating to beavers to read, critically evaluate, and discuss. Beavers are fascinating animals with so many mechanisms of influencing the world. Closely examining primary literature will give us a deeper understanding of how their influences on other species and environmental processes are studied and established. Scientific writing can be impenetrable, but discussing a text together is a great way to enhance understanding and grow curiosity for the details that others notice.

February is the start of Beaver Works Willow harvest. But why does willow pruning and transplanting play such a large role in our beaver-related restoration? This month, we’ll read about the mutually beneficial feedback loop between beavers and willows in their shared riverscapes:

Peinetti, H. R., Baker, B. W., & Coughenour, M. B. (2009). Simulation modeling to understand how selective foraging by beaver can drive the structure and function of a willow community. Ecological Modelling, 220(7), 998-1012.

Contact Maureen (Maureen@thinkwildco.org) with questions on this or future meetings.