Response of red willow to beaver use in southeastern Oregon
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Authors: R. R. Kindschy
Date: 1985
Journal: Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume: 49
Number: 1
Pages: 26-28
Summary of Methods: Growth characteristics of two red willow populations were compared in a study conducted in an area with no historic use by domestic herbivores in the Jordan Crater Research Natural Area in southeastern Oregon. One willow stand had resident beaver populations, while the other stand did not. Lava flows historically excluded livestock from both willow populations and enclosed beaver in one of the two willow populations. Willow tree dimensions (tree height and crown width), basal diameter at the ground level, and diameter 40 cm above the ground were measured at both locations (beaver present and beaver absent) from 1979-82. In the willow stand with beaver present, height of beaver cut stumps and the number of stems consumed were measured. New growth stem numbers were also recorded for both sites.
Article Summary / Main Points: Over the four years, beavers removed over 80% of the stems from the willow population where they were present. Willows were taller and wider in the willow population without beavers, but the number of new stems produced was greater on the site with beavers. Basal diameter was similar between both populations. Although tree size decreased in the willow population occupied by beaver, red willows seem to be resilient to beaver herbivory as demonstrated by the increase in stems.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 23 Malheur High Plateau
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: red willow, salix lasiandra, beaver, castor canadensis, season of use, natural exclosure, regrowth, stem removal
Annotation: This case study makes use of natural barriers to livestock grazing to examine the effects of beavers on red willow. Due to the unique nature of the study area the results may not be applicable to other areas as livestock or wildlife grazing may influence population dynamics. Another part of this study can be found in Kindschy (1989, Wildlife Soc. Bulletin:290-294) also available in the RSIS database.
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