The Beaver: Natural History of a Wetlands Engineer

Rating:
Summary: Great comprehensive description of a remarkable mammal
Review: Here is a wonderful puzzle for anyone interested in animal behavior: How do beavers "know" when and how to make their amazing constructions -- their dams, lodges, and canals? What model of a beaver's "head" can we conjure to account for its ability to align and compact logs with mud to stem a stream, or to repair a damaged dam, or to build a warm and dry den in the middle of a pond to house and protect its family? This book, based on a thorough review of the literature and the authors' own research, provides an up-to-date summary of knowledge currently available on beavers, their behavior, and their ecology. Well written and easily read, it is the best survey of beavers I have seen and provides excellent background for any future inquiry into the mystery of beaver engineering.

Rating:
Summary: Great comprehensive description of a remarkable mammal
Review: Here is a wonderful puzzle for anyone interested in animal behavior: How do beavers "know" when and how to make their amazing constructions -- their dams, lodges, and canals? What model of a beaver's "head" can we conjure to account for its ability to align and compact logs with mud to stem a stream, or to repair a damaged dam, or to build a warm and dry den in the middle of a pond to house and protect its family? This book, based on a thorough review of the literature and the authors' own research, provides an up-to-date summary of knowledge currently available on beavers, their behavior, and their ecology. Well written and easily read, it is the best survey of beavers I have seen and provides excellent background for any future inquiry into the mystery of beaver engineering.

Rating:
Summary: A perfect delight
Review: Simply captivating and very thorough review of the most marvelous creature, Castor Canadensis. It reveals much that is just not commonly known, and explains quite well the behaviors we're all familiar with. You will shake your head in wonder at this most complex creature, who is indeed a wetlands engineer.

Much better than some sources of information. Do NOT be fooled by the very odd conspiracy theorists, whose influences seem to have shown up lately in the comic strips, and whose far-fetched perceptions are found at www.beaverconspiracy.com. This book beautifully counters their twisted and perverse slanders.

A perfect gift for anyone who's ever wistfully picked up a beaver stick and wondered how...and why.