A bibliometric literature review in beaver management: when does the beaver become a resource?

Abstract

Abstract Freshwater ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse habitats, but they are among the most endangered due to human activities. In this context, beavers represent a nature‐based solutions to preserve and repair freshwater ecosystem, given their important role as ecosystem engineers. However, in an environment modified by humans, beaver activities frequently create conflicts masking the positive effects of this rodent. Therefore, the management of beaver populations and human–beaver conflicts is needed. This article investigates the literature about beaver management through a bibliometric analysis to understand past, current, and future response. Moreover, it quantifies the number of studies that consider beavers as a resource, and it identifies the emerging themes in the field. The bibliometric analysis was performed considering a total of 415 documents with the software VOSviewer and the R web interface for bibliometrix Biblioshiny. The analysis presented here provides a complete view of past, present, and future management approaches and responses at the base of beaver management strategies. Three main results emerged. Firstly, a rising tendency in the number of publications about beavers that are directly linked to the populations development and spread has detected. Secondly, only 4.3% of scientific literature has referred to beaver‐related restoration. Thirdly, the ‘human perceptions’ has resulted in the emerging field investigated. Findings suggest that there is a lot of research interest about beaver management. The beaver is still poorly managed as a tool for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The management is shifting from studies focused more so on beaver ecology to others mainly focused on the beaver effects and the human dimension. This review provides a starting point for future research on beavers and suggests the development of socio‐ecological management models that consider benefits and impacts of beavers. This will help the decision‐making process of conservation and restoration initiatives.