Use of habitat by mountain beaver in the Sierra Nevada

Authors

P. Beier

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume

53

Issue

3

First Page

649

Last Page

654

Publication Date

1989

Abstract

I used stepwise logistic regression to identify factors important for habitat use by Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica). Elevation, stream gradient, and abundance of willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), and fir (Abies concolor and A. magnifica) had the strongest positive associations with habitat use. Mountain beaver probably did not respond to these factors directly, but rather to a cool thermal regime, adequate soil drainage, and abundant food supply. Comparison of current with historical beaver use indicated no marked change since 1935.

Recommended Citation

Beier, P. 1989. Use of habitat by mountain beaver in the Sierra Nevada. Journal of Wildlife Management. 53 (3): 649-654.