How do beavers affect new plant growth?

Beavers significantly impact new plant growth by severely stunting and deforming growth. When beavers build their dams and create ponds, they alter the habitat around them, which affects the water levels and soil conditions for nearby vegetation. The flooding that occurs can inhibit the growth of some plants, as the water can drown roots or create unsuitable conditions for growth.

Additionally, beavers actively remove certain plants in their environment by gnawing on them. This selective feeding on new growth can lead to stunted and malformed plants in the surrounding area. They are often drawn to preferred species of trees and shrubs, which can lead to a lack of diversity in those areas as certain plants are diminished or eliminated altogether. The result is an ecosystem that is not only altered structurally but also biologically, affecting the overall plant growth in the beaver's habitat.