Feeding habits of reintroduced Eurasian beaver: spatial and seasonal variation in the use of food resources

0345063 - ÚBO 2011 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Krojerová-Prokešová, Jarmila - Barančeková, Miroslava - Hamšíková, L. - Vorel, A.
Feeding habits of reintroduced Eurasian beaver: spatial and seasonal variation in the use of food resources.
Journal of Zoology. Roč. 281, č. 3 (2010), s. 183-193. ISSN 0952-8369. E-ISSN 1469-7998
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LC06073
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : Castor fiber * diet composition * faecal analysis * PCA
Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour
Impact factor: 1.787, year: 2010

This study presents data on the dietary composition of beavers during the vegetation season based on macro and micro-histological analysis of 97 faeces. The study was carried out during 2004-2008 at four sites in the Czech Republic. Generally, beavers consumed mostly deciduous trees and forbs. Consumption of grasses, aquatic plants and field crops was negligible. There were no differences in the dietary composition between sexes or between age groups. In spring, beavers consumed mainly deciduous trees. During summer and autumn, the proportion of forbs significantly increased at all study sites. The amount of deciduous trees in faeces positively correlated with the diversity and cover of riparian stands. The results showed a high degree of ecological plasticity in diet selection by reintroduced Eurasian beaver in the Czech Republic, but so far, there is no evidence that they cause high levels of damage to economically important trees or field crops.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0186425