Water: They need a reliable source of water, typically a stream, river, or lake.
Trees: They require access to trees for their primary food source (bark) and for building materials (logs, branches, twigs).
Wetland vegetation: They need wetlands with a variety of plants for food, shelter, and nest building.
Suitable land: They need land near the water to build their lodges and dams.
Specific habitat types:
* Rivers and streams: These are the most common habitats for beavers, especially those with slow-moving water and abundant trees.
* Lakes and ponds: They can also be found in lakes and ponds, but they prefer areas with some shoreline vegetation and trees.
* Wetlands: Marshes, swamps, and bogs can provide suitable habitats, especially if they are near a source of running water.
Ideal beaver habitats have the following characteristics:
* Abundant water: Enough water for swimming, building dams, and maintaining their lodges.
* Diverse tree species: A variety of tree species provides a consistent food source and building materials.
* Soft soil: Easy to excavate for lodges and dams.
* Limited human disturbance: Beavers are sensitive to human activity and may avoid areas with high levels of disturbance.
Key features of a beaver habitat:
* Beavers lodges: These are dome-shaped structures built on land, usually near the water's edge, providing shelter and protection.
* Beavers dams: These are structures built across streams and rivers to create ponds, providing deeper water for swimming and protection from predators.
* Beavers canals: These are channels dug by beavers to transport logs and branches and to access new food sources.
Beavers are considered keystone species because their activities significantly impact and shape their habitats, creating wetlands that benefit other species and improve water quality.