Can we reasonably assess the short, medium and long term impacts of beaver on species, ecosystems and landscape?
Yes. There has been plenty of research on mature beaver populations of both species that give us information on the impacts of beavers on other wildlife and the riparian landscape. Much of this has been reviewed in the scientific paper: Rosell et al (2005) Ecological impact of beavers Castor fiber and Castor canadensis and their ability to modify ecosystems . Mammal Review 35:248-276.
