Keystone Species Discussed

By Karey Burek

A keystone species is one that supports the habitat in which it lives. In other words, if this species didn't exist, neither would the others living in its habitat. People assume that all keystone species are large predatory animals, like bears and wolves. In a lot of cases, those people would be correct. But have you ever wondered what animals or species that are smaller in stature manage to hold up an ecosystem?

One of the surprising keystone species is known as the largest native rodent in North America, the beaver.

Beavers are credited with being able to alter the environment more than any other animal in North America, except for humans. About 300 years ago, about 65 million beavers lived in North America! However, their numbers were depleted with the arrival of English settlers who saw the beavers as a source of income. Anyone heard of the fur trade?

The species has recently made a dramatic come back, but the effect of their near extinction is still being felt in some areas. The elimination of the beaver population led to drying of wetlands and an expansion of meadows and forests, which hindered the development of marshes and its species. Beaver ponds are critical to moose, mink and muskrat, not to mention a myriad of bird species that thrive in the slow moving waters. The ponds also capture silt and pollutants, leaving the water cleaner.

Although they are small, they make a huge impact on our environment.

Observer News Front Page