The ecological role of beavers (Castor canadensis) in a Southwestern desert stream

The ecological impact of beavers on a stream in the southwestern United States was investigated to determine if beavers have impact on community and ecosystem level processes in a manner similar to what has been documented in more mesic regions. Specifically, my goals were to determine: (1) whether beaver pond densities differ in an arid Mojave Desert system from densities reported for those of more mesic regions, (2) what riparian plant species beaver are foraging on most frequently in this system, and (3) to determine if beaver ponds alter the system retention of nitrogen, a nutrient that often limits primary production in streams of the western United States; The spatial prevalence of beaver ponds along Meadow Valley Wash, a perennial stream in southeast Nevada, was determined by surveying 31.5 kilometers of the stream's length. At the ecosystem level, stream nitrogen retention was measured. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Science

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Harper, Bryan James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stanley Smith

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/1249

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-2248