Distribution and number of the common beaver (<i>Castor fiber</i>) in the specially protected natural area «Green Grove» (Vologda Region)

The study of the distribution and number of common beaver was carried out in the specially protected natural area of regional significance «Green Grove» (tourist and recreational area) in the Cherepovets District of the Vologda Region in 2021–2023. The features of beaver settlements, their distribution were considered, the number of beavers was counted. 6 settlements of common beaver were noted, the density of which was 0,14 settlements/km². The settlements are unevenly distributed on drainage ditches, natural reservoirs, reservoirs created by beavers. The average number of beavers in one settlement in Green Grove was 3,2 ± 0,4 individuals. Over the past decade, the number of beaver settlements in the Green Grove protected area has increased from 2 to 5, while the number of beavers has increased by 2–2,5 times. Under favorable conditions (sufficient food supply, reservoirs that do not dry up in the summer), the number of beaver settlements can reach 12, the density of settlements of the common beaver in the Green Grove protected area will be 0,3 settlement/km², which will be 2 times higher than the average density in Russia. The area of settlements varies from 3,5 thousand m² to 170 thousand m². 67% of settlements are located on drainage ditches, 83% of settlements have huts; 17% of settlements do not have burrows; dams have been built in 67% of beaver settlements. Birch and willow trees predominate among the woody and shrubby plants in the settlements. In general, the territory of the protected area «Green Grove» is favorable for the residence of beavers.