Beaver Dams in the Context of a Factor Shaping the Hydromorphological and Hydrological Conditions of Small Lowland Streams

Beavers are responsible for creating temporary water reservoirs, that significantly impact the environment and local river hydrology.This study focused on the possibility of determining the impact of beaver (Castor spp.) dams as a method to support water retention in the environment.Studies carried out on three small lowland streams in central Poland revealed that beaver dams, even in modified riverbeds, aid the creation of shallow floodplains and ponds by improving instream retention.Innovative analyses considered the construction materials of the dams and their impact on river hydromorphology and sediment transport.The results highlight the importance of beavers in water retention processes, stabilisation of water levels during low flows and protection of biodiversity.The study demonstrated that beaver dams locally, these structures influence hydrology, improve ground moisture, extend water retention times and create habitats for many new species improving biodiversity.The collected data highlights the potential of beaver dams as a tool to help manage water resources in the context of climate change.Further research may provide guidance for the sustainable utilisation of beavers in conservation strategies and landscape planning. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALSAnalyses of the influence of natural damming on hydromorphological, hydrological, and environmental conditions were carried out on the example of selected lowland rivers located in the Wielkopolska region, Poland.The studied streams inhabited by beavers include the Koczak River (Stobniczka), Mogilnica, and Cybina.