The researchers also answered the question: Do rodents live in these wooden structures?
Beavers are known to be tireless builders. For this, they constantly form a dense structure, using both the whole tree and its branches. Rodents use their very strong and sharp teeth to erect these wooden structures. To keep dams strong, rodents use grass, rocks and mud. But why do they do it? Why do beavers need dams and do they use these structures as dwellings? Scientists answer these questions in an article for the Live Science publication.
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According to scientists, beavers are large rodents weighing between 18 and 36 kg, but are very clumsy animals with very short legs. Because of this, beavers can become easy prey for predators.
Why do beavers build their dams?
According to Chris Jordan of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, beavers build dams to stay safe and not worry about being hunted.
“When on land, these large rodents are very vulnerable to predators due to their clumsiness. They move slowly and therefore can be someone’s easy food. But when beavers are in the water, it’s almost impossible to beat them. These rodents are excellent swimmers, they can hold their breath underwater for long periods of time. 10-15 minutes in airless water. “The beavers are building a dam to create a small pond, and they’re safe in that pond.” Emily Fairfax of the University of California, USA.
In the US, for example, beavers create very deep pools of water with dams where they hide from predators such as cougars, bears, wolves and coyotes, Jordan says.
According to scientists, the construction of dams causes the flooding of nearby areas so that beavers can safely swim to their food: bark, leaves and twigs. However, these rodents also feed on some aquatic plants.
“Also, beavers create a network of water channels behind their dams, through which they can not only reach the food, but also transport the food through these channels to their secret storage to strengthen the dams,” says Jordan.
Do beavers live in their dams?
According to scientists, the answer to this question is no: no, they do not live. Beavers use oven-shaped houses as nests. Rodents build these shelters from sticks, grass, moss, and mud, either on the soil or on the shore of the reservoir formed by the dam. In these houses, beavers live in families consisting of an average of 5 people.
As for the beavers, which live in Europe and Asia and are slightly larger than their American relatives, these rodents do the same and build dams for protection.
By building dams, beavers help not only themselves but also many other species, according to scientists. Dams create thriving wetland ecosystems of living things.
“There is another positive aspect of the beaver dam. When these structures slow the movement of water, some of the water is stored in the soil and plant roots can access it even during drought. Also, beaver dams resist wildfires well. Fairfax says, “The area is home to many animals.” says.
As already written Focus, beavers gnaw the tundra from all directions, redrawing the Arctic, and the consequences are visible even from space. Scientists believe that the activities of these rodents have completely changed Alaska’s landscape.
same Focus He wrote that the beaver family helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.