Communicating with beavers
The goal of this project is to mimic the ways beaver communicate with each other to either encourage (or discourage - as a non-lethal mitigation technique) beavers to investigate new sites for colonization.
This work is based upon the hypothesis that foraging trail systems, if productive, are slowly reinforced into canals with repeated usage, creating a landscape based cue for future generations of beavers where to build.
Architecture left behind from previous beavers, informs future generations of beavers where to build.
This work is specifically testing if human dug canals can be used to tap into beaver's cooridination mechanisms that help them build damming complexes.
This work is funded by the National Geographic Keystone Species Grant.
Architecture left behind from previous beavers, informs future generations of beavers where to build.
This work is specifically testing if human dug canals can be used to tap into beaver's cooridination mechanisms that help them build damming complexes.
This work is funded by the National Geographic Keystone Species Grant.
How to dig a canal
Size:
Length: 3-4 ft. (~ 1 m.)
Width: 10 - 12 in. (~25 - 30 cm.)
Depth: 9 - 15 in. (~20 - 40 cm.)
Placement:
"Point" canals towards high quality vegetation or towards a water resource starting at edge of stream.
Excavate a canal perpendular to the waterway. These canals should "point" towards locations that provide beavers with resources to survive, such as edible vegetation or other water resources, such as ponds, stream bends, or natural drainage lines.
Excess dirt: place in stream or on bank. Small amount of soil needs to be removed.
Monitoring:
If interested in observing if beavers are interacting, place camera trap to directly face the canal.
Tools:
1. 47 In Garden Shovel
2. Garden Hoe
3. Waders
Length: 3-4 ft. (~ 1 m.)
Width: 10 - 12 in. (~25 - 30 cm.)
Depth: 9 - 15 in. (~20 - 40 cm.)
Placement:
"Point" canals towards high quality vegetation or towards a water resource starting at edge of stream.
Excavate a canal perpendular to the waterway. These canals should "point" towards locations that provide beavers with resources to survive, such as edible vegetation or other water resources, such as ponds, stream bends, or natural drainage lines.
Excess dirt: place in stream or on bank. Small amount of soil needs to be removed.
Monitoring:
If interested in observing if beavers are interacting, place camera trap to directly face the canal.
Tools:
1. 47 In Garden Shovel
2. Garden Hoe
3. Waders
Camera trap placement