Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) Winter Foraging Preferences in Northern Poland-The Role of Woody Vegetation Composition and Anthropopression Level.

ABSTRACT: We studied beavers' dietary preferences and the role of several factors (such as plant species, size and anthropopression level) that affect the beavers' foraging in northern Poland. Woody plants along the river were measured and classified according to species in six 100 m-long transects that were characterized by a diversified human disturbance level. Ivlev's electivity index was used to present the beavers' preferences for various plant species and sizes, and the generalized linear model was used to assess the significance of studied factors in beavers' browsing choices. Most popular in the beavers' diets were willows (Salix), maples (Acer) and alder (Alnus), but only willows and maples were preferred. We noted a decrease in the beavers' foraging preference in parallel to an increase in

SUBMITTER: Jackowiak M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7460282 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature