Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E025
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E025 (2025)
Beavers as ecosystem engineers – importance for water retention
Katarzyna Kuśmierz1*, Antoni Grzywna1
1 Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: katarzyna.kusmierz@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Ongoing climate change leads to rising average temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts and intense rainfall. In the face of shrinking water resources, there is a growing need to implement natural and sustainable methods to support water retention. One potential solution is the use of beaver dams (Castor fiber L.), which not only retain water in the landscape but also contribute to the restoration of degraded river ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of natural beaver dams on water level variability and channel retention in small lowland rivers in eastern Poland. Measurements were conducted from May 2021 to October 2022 (covering three hydrological half-years), using staff gauges installed upstream and downstream of the natural damming structures. Retention capacity was calculated based on the topography of the impounded areas. The average increase in water depth caused by beaver dams was recorded at 48 ± 18 cm, with differences ranging from 10 cm to 73 cm. Maximum recorded retention volume was 106.5 m³, while the minimum was 15.5 m³. The results showed that dams with similar structural characteristics exhibited varying retention capacities. These differences were significantly influenced by local hydrometeorological conditions (precipitation, snow cover) and human interventions in river channels. Natural, unmodified riverbeds supported the formation of floodplain areas and improved lateral connectivity. Furthermore, beaver activity enhanced the heterogeneity of the riverine environment by modifying flow dynamics, altering bed structure, and changing the composition of riparian vegetation. Beaver dams play a crucial role in enhancing channel retention and stabilizing local water resources, especially during periods of water scarcity. Their protection and inclusion in water management strategies may represent an important element of climate change adaptation at the local scale. Preserving the natural structure of riverbeds significantly increases the effectiveness of these natural barriers.
Keywords: European beaver, natural dam, retention
How to cite
K. Kuśmierz, A. Grzywna, 2025. Beavers as ecosystem engineers – importance for water retention. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E025