Inferring the effects of predator scent cues on the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) movements using step length and turn angles

Abstract

Predators have an important role in controlling prey populations. Such population control is not only done through mortality but also through the mere presence of predators in an ecosystem. The beaver has several predators such as bears, lynxes, wolverines, red foxes, dogs and humans, although the wolf is considered its main predator. This study will investigate the affects wolves may have on the activity pattern of Eurasian beavers (C. fiber). This will be done by exposing wild beavers to faeces from either wolf (predatory scent), horse (non-predatory scent) and control (no scent) and comparing the step length and turning angles from the three treatment groups

My results partially supported my hypothesis that beavers movement patters would be affected by wolf scent. Wolf treatment did affect step length and turning angle more than horse and control treatment. For all experimental treatments, I saw no clear change in either step length nor turning angle in the experimental during-period compared to the pre-period. However, post-treatment the beavers treated with wolf scent clearly decreased their relative step length and become more directional in their movement.