Description: The author created a beaver intrinsic potential (BIP) model to identify stream segments that may be potentially suitable for beaver colonization, relocation, and to inform restoration prioritization. An intrinsic potential (IP) model differs from a more traditional habitat suitability index (HSI) model in that HIS models predict current habitat suitability, while IP models predict potential suitability, regardless of current conditions. An IP model has a number of benefits for species such as beaver that actively modify their surroundings to create more preferable conditions. The BIP model identifies stream reaches that have the potential to provide preferred habitat if beaver colonize these areas and modify them to suit their needs. Since beaver were historically extirpated from many areas of Washington State, some reaches remain suitable and provide high quality habitat, while other historically suitable reaches require beaver or human-assisted modification. The BIP model can also be used to identify total potential habitat, from which populations can be predicted and potential environmental effects of beaver at varying population densities estimated.
Copyright Text: Benjamin J. Dittbrenner, Beavers Northwest