Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Item

Habitat Suitability Assessment for Urban Beavers in Metro Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC

Guglielmi, Alisha
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract

Degradation in urban streams results from expansive impervious surface cover channeling stormflow directly to streams, lessening water storage ability. To slow velocity and decrease peak flow in urban watersheds, stormwater management ponds can be effective in alleviating the impact of flooding but require resources for establishment and maintenance. Urban beaver ponds also effectively store large quantities of water, while offering ecological and geomorphic benefits. Conflicts between beavers and humans arise when dams cause localized flooding and unexpected landscape changes. Lessening conflict requires a spatial understanding of habitat suitability, which this study attempted by modelling key habitat characteristics using GIS. I found that employing input parameters typical of models built for forested catchments resulted in outputs not specific enough to highlight beaver-preferred landscape in an urban setting. After adjusting inputs to reflect patterns at urban beaver sites, the output was better at emphasizing beaver locations.

Comments
Description
Date
2023-08-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Suitability Map, Beavers, Urban Streams, Habitat Suitability, Suitability Model
Citation
Guglielmi, Alisha. Habitat Suitability Assessment for Urban Beavers in Metro Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC. Aug. 2023, Georgia State University. https://doi.org/10.57709/35867848.
Embargo Lift Date
2023-07-25
Embedded videos