Beaver Benefits - A Keystone Species

Beavers, A Keystone Species...

While beavers are considered to be pests by some, scientists actually have proven that beavers are a "Keystone" species in North America. This means that beavers play a crucial role in biodiversity. Innumerable species rely either partly or entirely on beaver ponds, many of them threatened or endangered. Therefore, whenever we can coexist with beavers, we are providing the habitat necessary for supporting many other species, and protecting the web of life upon which we depend. In addition to the very important biodiversity issue, most people are not aware that there are many other benefits to beaver ponds as outlined below.

Benefits of Beaver Ponds

Direct Benefits to Humans

• Decrease damaging floods
• Recharge drinking water aquifers
• Remove pollutants from surface and ground water
• Drought protection
• Decreased erosion

Other Benefits

• Produce food for fish and other animals
• Support biodiversity, including 43% of our endangered species
• Create vital habitats
• Preserve open space
• Maintain stream and river flow
• Greater opportunities for:
• Wildlife observation
• Hunting and trapping
• Canoeing / kayaking
• Fishing
• Photography
• Bird watching
• Quiet relaxation in nature