IAP-26-024

Beavers as landscape engineers

By accident or design Eurasian beavers are being reintroduced to various locations across the U.K. Where by design these reintroductions are being used as part of a significant effort of ecological restoration. There are several associated aims of these reintroductions: 1) to revive riparian ecosystems that support diverse species, 2) manage water levels, and 3) sequester carbon. However, beavers often face negative public perception due to their tendency to build structures that sometimes cause water increases which then interfere with human infrastructure. With this project the student will examine whether understanding and perhaps predicting where, when and why beavers choose to build, how they locate and transport food and materials across their landscape, and the impacts that their building behaviours have on their environment, both biotic and abiotic, would be useful for effective management of human-beaver conflicts. The project will build on data and methodology from reintroductions of beaver to North America that have captured the evolution of beaver damming complexes and their impact on the environment through the use of comprehensive mapping and monitoring techniques.
The student would collect data that would enable them to create high-resolution spatiotemporal maps to identify how beavers move around and modify their environment. These data would allow quantification of the behavioural responses of Eurasian beavers to a range of cues in their environment (including water flow, tree species). The student will develop a behavioural/decision-making framework to understand how these cues influence beaver behaviour, including how beaver decisions promote habitat connectivity and biodiversity. The data might then be useful for helping to mitigate human-beaver conflicts. Our objectives include:
1. Developing a framework to study beaver behaviour and decision-making through detailed mapping of beaver damming complexes as the dam complexes undergo construction.
2. Characterizing beaver damming complexes spatially and temporally to inform management practices and explore the potential for biomimicry in human-engineered landscapes.
3. Enhancing the public perception of beavers by demonstrating their positive impact on biodiversity.

This research will provide critical insights into beaver behaviour, which will inform management practices to reduce human-beaver conflicts. These data will enable a clearer assessment of the ecological benefits of beaver activities, such as increased biodiversity, improved riparian stability, and enhanced carbon sequestration. Additionally, the data could be applied to other areas where beavers are not yet present but where their ecosystem engineering could be beneficial.

The student will use UAV photogrammetry and ecological monitoring techniques to observe beavers during their active season, emphasizing trail and canal construction. The project will have two components:
1. The major focus will be to develop a spatiotemporal assessment of beaver damming complexes through bi-monthly high-resolution mapping and in-situ stream flow measurements at the Bamff eco-estate in the Scottish Highlands and at several rivers (Taw, Otter, Little Dart) in SW England.
2. We will also include biodiversity monitoring using camera traps and acoustic traps to assess species utilizing beaver-modified habitats and the impact on songbird distributions.
The data will be analyzed using ArcGIS and deep learning models to classify beaver architectures, providing a robust theoretical framework for understanding beaver behaviour and informing practical management recommendations. The two co-supervisors, Sugasawa and Pritchard (Newcastle University) are experienced in such data analyses, as is partner Kennedy (Harvard) who has considerable experience of both collecting and analysing drone data from American beaver activities. She will also provide access to comparative data for American beavers. Finally, Madden (Exeter) has access to the English field sites and experience in collecting behavioural data from beaver at those locations.

Year 1

Based in St Andrews, designing data collection and training in drone use. Collecting pilot data from at least one field site, estimated 2-4 months of fieldwork.

Year 2

Collecting and analysing field data. Estimated 3-4 months of field work. Data analysis training based in Newcastle. Milestone: Present data at meetings for the British Ecological Society and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Preparation of first manuscript. Public engagement.

Year 3

Collecting and analysing field data. Estimated 3-4 months of field work. Data analysis training based in Newcastle. Milestone: Present data at an international meeting e.g. International Society for Behavioral Ecology. Preparation of second manuscript. Public engagement.

Year 3.5

Final data analyses. Thesis writing. Applications for jobs/postdocs. Milestone: Thesis submission. Paper submission. Present data at ASAB/BES conferences.

Field skills that include collecting data from camera traps and from drone flights. Training in using ArcGIS and deep learning models, photogrammetry and spatial cognition, to analyse the data. The student will also be trained in presenting their data to peers and colleagues via posters, talks, and papers. They will also gain experience in interacting with landowners, the general public and other stakeholders interested in beaver activities.