The Sudden Increase of This Animal in Alaska... A Butterfly Effect Accelerating Global Warming?

Increase in Beaver Population in Alaska Due to Global Warming
Methane Gas Emissions Observed from Beaver-Created Ponds

As the number of beavers in the Alaska region has surged due to global warming, a study has found that beaver activity could accelerate the warming phenomenon. Beavers create small ponds in rivers to use as their habitats, and during this process, methane, a greenhouse gas, can be emitted.

On the 2nd (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported that the number of ponds created by beavers in the Arctic tundra region of Alaska is estimated to be at least 12,000. This number has doubled over the past 20 years, and this phenomenon is gradually spreading northward. Currently, an increase in beaver populations has been observed not only in Alaska but also in the Gwich'in settlement areas of northern Canada. Ken Tape, a professor of ecology at the University of Alaska, said, "According to our research, the entire North Slope of Alaska, which borders the Arctic Ocean, is expected to become beaver habitat by 2100."

Beaver. [Image source=Pixabay]

This phenomenon is related to global warming. As the Earth's temperature rises, the Alaska region has become a suitable environment for beavers to inhabit. However, there are concerns that beavers may contribute to accelerating the warming in this area. Beavers build dams and create deep ponds for their habitats using shrubs that newly grow in the Alaska tundra. However, if the permafrost submerged in these ponds melts due to warm water, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas.

Professor Ken Tape pointed out that an analysis of infrared images from NASA revealed a clear correlation between beaver ponds and concentrated methane emissions. He said, "It has been proven that changes in rivers caused by (beaver pond creation) accelerate the effects of climate change," adding, "This phenomenon is accelerating at all points." Additionally, Alaska communities are paying attention to potential problems such as water quality deterioration caused by beaver ponds, impacts on fish migration, and land flooding.

Meanwhile, beavers are mammals belonging to the order Rodentia and family Castoridae, mainly living in northern regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their average body length is 60?70 cm, tail length 33?44 cm, and body weight 20?27 kg. Beavers are so well adapted to aquatic life that they are sometimes called "sea otters," and they are especially famous for building dams. They gnaw down trees near rivers with their strong front teeth and build dams by adding soil or stones. The length of dams is usually 20?30 meters, but some can reach several hundred meters.

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