Habitat and conservation status of the beaver in the Sierra San Luis Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

The status of beaver (Castor canadensis) in northeastern Sonora, Mexico, is uncertain. We surveyed the Cajon Bonito River to assess the beaver’s status and habitat and found five colonies. Limiting factors appear to be pollution due to animal waste, deforestation of riparian trees, and human exploitation. Beavers did not appear to require habitat diversity as much as dense riparian and aquatic vegetation in waters with low organic content. These kinds of studies are imperative to understanding the natural history and ecology of the species in this unique region.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Serrano, Karla Pelz; Guevara, Eduardo Ponce; Lopez Gonzalez, Carlos A. 2005. Habitat and conservation status of the beaver in the Sierra San Luis Sonora, Mexico. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 429-433