Factors Influencing Beaver Lodge-site Selection on a Prairie River

Abstract

-Physical and vegetative habitat characteristics were evaluated at 33 beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges during 1986 along the Big Sioux River in eastern South Dakota. Slope of the riverbank was the most important physical factor and horizontal vegetation cover was the most important vegetative factor influencing lodge-site selection. Beaver preferred the habitat quality of ungrazed areas for lodge sites. Although 60% of the study area was grazed, only six (18%) of 33 beaver lodges were located there.