Central place foraging by beavers (Castor canadensis) : a test of foraging predictions and the impact of selective feeding on the growth form of cottonwoods (Populus fremontii)
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Oecologia
Publication Date
7-1985
Volume
66
Issue
4
First Page
558
Last Page
562
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Several predictions of central place foraging theory were tested. As predicted, beavers foraged more selectively at increasing distance from the central place. With increasing distance from the river's edge, beavers cut fewer branches and deleted small branches from their diet. Large branches were favored at all distances, which differs from patterns observed in previous studies of beaver foraging. This difference, however, is expected and supports Schoener's (1979) predictions which are based on differences between provisioning costs and item size.
The selective harvesting of branches predicted by foraging theory affects plant growth form and may influence plant reproductive patterns. High rates of branch removal caused cottonwoods to develop a shrubby architecture. The importance of selective branch choice by beavers on patterns of cottonwood reproduction (i.e., delayed sexual maturity and induced cloning) is discussed.
DOI
10.1007/BF00379350
Print ISSN
00298549
E-ISSN
14321939
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 1985 Springer. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
McGinley, M. A., & Whitham, T. G. (1985). Central place foraging by beavers (Castor canadensis) : a test of foraging predictions and the impact of selective feeding on the growth form of cottonwoods (Populus fremontii). Oecologia, 66(4), 558-562. doi: 10.1007/BF00379350