Effects of beaver (Castor canadensis) on the nutrient dynamics of the Southern Beech forest of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

Authors

  • Marta S. Lizarralde Ecogenética Evolutiva. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CADIC. CC 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina
  • Guillermo A. Deferrari Ecogenética Evolutiva. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CADIC. CC 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina
  • Sergio E. Alvarez Ecogenética Evolutiva. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CADIC. CC 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina
  • Julio M. Escobar Ecogenética Evolutiva. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CADIC. CC 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina

Abstract

Alterations induced by beaver (Castor canadensis) provide a striking example of how the animals influence forest ecosystems. Beavers modify stream morphology and hydrology by removing trees, building dams and retaining sediment and organic material in the stream channel. We studied the effect of beaver impoundments on nutrient dynamics of the native forest (Nothofagus sp.) of Isla Grande ofTierra del Fuego (Argentina), by comparing sediments and pond waters of beaver altered and unaltered sites (controls) over a 3 year period. Concentration of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and inorganic nitrogen (nitrate --N and nitrite--N) were significantly greater in sediments of beaver sites. Also nitrites and nitrates were higher in beaver pond waters.

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Published

1996-12-01

How to Cite

Lizarralde, M. S., Deferrari, G. A., Alvarez, S. E., & Escobar, J. M. (1996). Effects of beaver (Castor canadensis) on the nutrient dynamics of the Southern Beech forest of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). Ecología Austral, 6(2), 101–105. Retrieved from https://ojs.ecologiaaustral.com.ar/index.php/Ecologia_Austral/article/view/1653

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (1996)

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Articles

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