Tree species, distance and diameter selection by Castor canadensis.

Abstract

This study was conducted to reveal tree species, distance from shore and diameter preference of beaver (Castor canadensis). Beavers at Robinson's Lake in Wolverine, Michigan attacked 100% of the trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees available. Yet, trembling aspen trees were so scarce that cherry (Prunus spp.) trees constituted the largest percentage of trees attacked by beavers. Beavers attacked significantly more trees near (< or = 10m) shore than trees far (>10m) from shore. Beavers equally preferred trees of small (< or = 7.5 cm) and large (>7.5 cm) girth. These results indicate that beavers at Robinson's Lake prefer cherry trees near shore, however, tree diameter does not influence their behavior.