Feeding Behaviour of Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) Along Small Streams in an Agricultural Landscape

In areas with high population density, the Eurasian beaver may be forced to utilise sparsely forested landscapes where living conditions not optimal for species. Here, we examine feeding strategy of beavers along a number small (mainly) streams in Czech agricultural landscape. Diet availability these is characterised by lack woody plants but large supply herbaceous vegetation, including crops grown close watercourse. The has adapted such building dams on low-water streams, allowing it move between scattered diet resources. winter, main dietary component was (70% V), species normally neglected sites (e.g. Acer negundo, Prunus spp.) taken absence more favoured Salix spp., Populus spp.), remaining 30%V consisting vegetation. summer, however, vegetation (90% F), which included (56% V). Where there were enough trees, tended leave its summer territory and stretches denser tree stands. Thus, have utilising diverse though continued presence landscape still primarily dependent sufficient stocks plants, needs survive winter.