Food habits and nightly emergence activity in a family of beavers (Castor canadensis) in the taiga of southeastern Manitoba

• Main Author: Sahulka, Danette
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: Rugosa; taiga
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/1146

The yearly food habits and nightly emergence activity of a family of beavers (Castor canadensis) were studied from the spring of 1992 to the fall of 1993 in the taiga of Manitoba. In 1992 the adult female, the two yearling males and the yearling female of the beaver family were equipped with radio transmitters. In 1993 the adult female, one of the two-year old males and the two-year old female were re-equipped with radio transmitters. Detailed daily observations were made on the food selection, feeding site selection and time of nightly emergence for each of these beaver. The beaver family was observed to feed on nine main plant species including: Alnus rugosa, Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, Cornus stolonifera, Pinus banksiana, Amelanchier alnifolia, Salix sp ., Nuphar variegatum and Zizania aquatica. Preferences for certain species and plant parts varied over the years and seasons suggesting that beaver may be opportunistic herbivores when the food supply is diverse. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)