Impact of an experimental wolf reduction on beaver in Papineau-Labelle Reserve, Quebec

Authors:
  • FPFrançois Potvin
    François Potvin
  • LBLaurier Breton
    Laurier Breton
  • CPChristian Pilon
    Christian Pilon
  • MMMarc Macquart
    Marc Macquart

Abstract
From 1983 to 1988 the densities of beaver colonies in traplines from within two blocks were compared. The first block (RB, 275 km2) was included in a larger area where wolves were reduced almost 60% over three winters. The second block (UB, 265 km2) received no wolf-control treatment. Beaver trapping, formerly prohibited, was allowed in 1984 in 5 of 11 trapline units of RB and 5 of 9 units of UB after the first wolf reduction. The density of colonies (0.8/km2) remained stable in UB, even where beaver trapping was allowed. In RB a 20% increase in colonies occurred after 3 years in units not opened to beaver trapping, but the numbers decreased to their former level 2 years after wolf control was terminated. Where wolf reduction and trapping occurred synchronously, colony numbers remained unchanged, but they decreased by 30% following suspension of wolf control. We do not recommend wolf reduction as a management tool when beaver density is high.