Abstract
Beavers (Castor spp.) tend not to be a commonly held species and little published material exists relating to their captive care. We review published material and discuss husbandry issues taking into account the requirements of wild beavers. As social mammals with complex chemical communication systems and with such an ability to modify their environments, studies of wild counterparts suggest the captive requirements of beavers may actually be more sophisticated than generally perceived. Common field techniques may have practical application in the captive setting. Their widespread utilisation in conservation, including reintroductions, translocations and habitat management, also requires components of captive care. As welfare science advances there is increasing pressure on captive collections to improve standards and justify the keeping of animals. Conservation science is increasingly challenged to address individual welfare standards. Further research focusing on the captive care of beavers is required.
Highlights
Beavers (Eurasian, Castor fiber and North American, C. canadensis) are large, crepuscular, herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodents that live in family groups based around a breeding adult pair with offspring from the current and previous years [Novak, 1987]
Beavers have been kept in captivity for a variety of reasons, including entertainment, fur farming habitat management and conservation breeding for species restoration
We aim to identify beaver captive care requirements, discuss husbandry and welfare issues taking into account studies of wild beavers
Summary
Beavers (Eurasian, Castor fiber and North American, C. canadensis) are large, crepuscular, herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodents that live in family groups based around a breeding adult pair with offspring from the current and previous years [Novak, 1987]. Not necessarily a commonly held species, there are historic records of captive beavers in zoological settings, such as Basel Zoo in 1876 [Dollinger et al, 1999] Their widespread reintroduction across Europe and parts of North America has required greater consideration towards their captive care. Assessment of Physical Health Regular individual observation may prove difficult in captive beavers given their crepuscular and semi-aquatic behaviours, especially where areas of natural habitat have been fenced to form enclosures. Health and welfare assessment through observations should take into account locomotion and movement; behaviours such as feeding; physical qualities such as occurrence of discharge, wounds, symmetry of body parts, body condition and breathing rate [Goodman et al, 2012]. Lack of proper grooming (‘scruffy’ or ‘unkempt’ appearance) may be evident of an underlying health or behavioural issue, which may warrant further investigation
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