Distribution and patterns of spread of recolonising Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber Linnaeus 1758) in fragmented habitat, Agdenes peninsula, Norway

Abstract

The Agdenes peninsula, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway, 1060km2, is a heavily dissected mountainous landscape with numerous small watersheds, of mainly steep gradient, flowing separately into the sea or to fjords. Suitable habitat for permanent beaver occupation occurs mainly as isolated patches within these watersheds. Eurasian beavers were directly reintroduced to the area in 1926 and 1928. The last known individual of this population died in 1961. In 1968-69 2 pairs and a young animal were reintroduced on the Ingdalselva watershed. The current population is descended from these animals, and probably from the later 1990s by immigrants from the adjacent Orkla river system. In 2010-11 the area was surveyed and 24 beaver family group home ranges located, 20 of which were currently active and 4 abandoned; the population size was estimated at about 80 individuals within family territories plus in any year a number of dispersing individuals. Eighteen of the active territories were located on just four watersheds, Ingdalselva and three immediately adjacent to it. The remaining two territories were isolated on different watersheds distant from any other known group, requiring multiple crossings between watersheds and/or considerable movements through salt water to reach from them. Signs of vagrant individuals were found widely, including on a number of watersheds not occupied by any family group, though containing suitable habitat for permanent colonisation. Known data on the date of establishment of each family group is given, and the pattern of recolonisation to date discussed. An isolated population of beavers on a section of the Orkla river system, first noted in 1933, has been attributed to spread from the first study area reintroductions. However, there are grounds to suspect that this population may have had a different origin. Genetic studies would be useful to elucidate this point

Population and distribution of beaversCastor fiberandCastor canadensisin Eurasia

“…Beavers are also advancing slowly into the region along the coast, both from the south and north. Colonisation patterns indicate dispersal through brackish and salt water, especially where it is sheltered (Halley et al 2013).…”

Reintroducing the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber to Scotland

“…). Streams with <15% gradient (Beier & Barrett , Maringer & Slotta‐Bachmayr ). Not in marine/tidal sections (Halley et al. ).…”

“…Beavers do not utilise marine waters extensively, but there is evidence of beavers dispersing along coastlines in Norway (Halley et al. ), Denmark (Thomas Borup Svendsen pers. comm.…”

Distribution patterns of the native Eurasian and the non-native North American beaver in Finland—possible factors affecting the slow range expansion of the native species

“…Thus, our results indicate that lack of high-quality habitats in the novel areas has not restricted the spread of Eurasian beavers from the original area. Other studies have shown that beavers usually occupy the most optimal habitats first (Halley and Rosell 2002;John et al 2010;Halley et al 2013), resulting to distant and irregular colonization patterns (Fustec et al 2001), but often stay close to their natal territory if there are suitable habitats available (Hartman 1994a).…”