Citation
An ecosystem engineer, the beaver, increases species richness at the landscape scale
TL;DR
Beaver activity increases local biodiversity through habitat heterogeneity
Empirically demonstrated that beaver engineering increases biodiversity at landscape scales by creating habitat heterogeneity. Beaver modifications (ponds, wetlands, meadows at different successional stages) support more species than unmodified landscapes. This provides scientific foundation for understanding how niche construction creates value for entire ecosystems, not just the constructor.
Key Findings from Wright et al. (2002)
- Beaver activity increases local biodiversity through habitat heterogeneity
- Beaver-modified landscapes support species that couldn't exist in unmodified streams
- Engineering effects persist for decades, creating long-term ecological inheritance