A field observation trail and a cafeteria feeding experiment using pure and hybrid cottonwood (Populus sp.) trees of known genotype were used to determine if there was a link between the tannins contained in Fremont (Populus fremontii) cottonwood and the foraging behavior of beavers. A baseline field trail was conducted over 2 years with monthly surveys from September 1998 to November 2002. During these surveys the location and species of felled cottonwood trees were recorded along with the nearest 4 standing trees. Beavers were offered branches from cottonwood trees with known genetics in a subsequent feeding trial. Chemical analysis was also conducted on trees.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.