1. Beavers (Castor canadensis): Beavers are well-known for their tree-felling behavior. They often cut down paper birch trees to build their dams and lodges, and they feed on the bark and wood.
2. Moose (Alces alces): Moose are large herbivores that browse on a variety of vegetation, including paper birch leaves, twigs, and bark. They play a significant role in shaping the structure and composition of taiga forests.
3. Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus): Snowshoe hares are small mammals that feed on the bark of various tree species, including paper birch. They leave distinctive tooth-marks on the bark of the trees they consume.
4. Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum): Porcupines are large rodents that also consume the bark of paper birch trees. They have specialized teeth that allow them to chew through tough bark and access the nutritious inner tissues.
5. Insects and Fungi: Paper birch trees can also be affected by various insects, such as wood-boring beetles and caterpillars, and fungi, such as birch polypore (Fomes fomentarius), that cause decay and damage to the trees.
6. Woodpecker (Picoides): Various woodpeckers live in the taiga, including the black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) and the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus). These birds bore into the bark of paper birch trees to find insects and grubs to eat.
The paper birch is an important component of the taiga ecosystem, providing food and shelter for numerous animals. Through their browsing behavior, these organisms contribute to the natural regeneration and succession of the taiga forest.