Natural History Wanderings

The Revelator  reports

New research shows that these ecosystem engineers can be an “ally in stopping the decline of biodiversity.”

Researchers in Poland have found another reason to love beavers: They benefit wintering birds.

The rodents, once maligned as destructive pests, have been getting a lot of positive press lately. And for good reason. Beavers are ecosystem engineers. As they gather trees and dam waterways, they create wetlands, increase soil moisture, and allow more light to reach the ground. That drives the growth of herbaceous and shrubby vegetation, which benefits numerous animals.

Read more at Nature’s Supermarket: How Beavers Help Birds — And Other Species • The Revelator