Assessment of the impact of the European beaver Castor fiber on the natural environment of Poleski National Park in the area of influence of the Lubelskie Zagłębie Węglowe (Poland)

Abstract

This paper presents drone images to assess the impact of European beaver Castor fiber activity on the ecosystems of Polesie National Park. The study confirms the close relationship between the presence of beavers in Polesie National Park and the size of the water surface, which confirms the positive impact of beaver activity on the retention of the catchment area. Thanks to the presence and activity of beavers, the drastic decrease in the level of surface water caused by meteorological drought did not cause soil drought. This may be evidenced by the increase in the area of herbaceous plants in autumn in the regions where a total decrease in the water table has been shown. As the area and number of foraging plants increased, the area occupied by dry vegetation decreased. This may confirm the positive effect of beavers on water retention and vegetation in the study areas, especially under the impact of atmospheric drought.