Wetlands

, 21:554 | Cite as

The effects of beaver-created wetlands on the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of two appalachian streams

  • Brian E. Margolis
  • Richard L. Raesly
  • Durland L. Shumway
Article
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Abstract

We examined the effects of beaver impoundments on the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of two small Appalachian streams, Mountain Run (Somerset County, Pennsylvania) and a tributary to Herrington Creek (Garrett County, Maryland). Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages above the impoundments were compared with assemblages within the impoundments and 1 m, 10 m, and 100 m below the impoundments. The results of our study indicate that beaver affect both within-impoundment and downstream benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. Taxonomic and functional changes in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of the beaver-altered streams were a result of direct (impoundment) and indirect (changes in temperature, water chemistry, plant growth) alterations of the stream environment.

Key Words

beaver Castor canadensis wetland impoundment benthic macroinvertebrates 
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Copyright information

© Society of Wetland Scientists 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  • Brian E. Margolis
    • 1
  • Richard L. Raesly
    • 1
  • Durland L. Shumway
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of BiologyFrostburg State UniversityFrostburgUSA

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