Ecosystem Engineering - Beaver & Termite Habitat Modification

Engineer Type

Engineer Density

Environment

Base Productivity

0.50

Disturbance Rate

0.02

Legacy Persistence

50 years

Modification Effects

Habitat Creation Rate

0.05

Biodiversity Bonus

1.5x

Events

Water/Pond

Dam/Mound

Wetland/Modified

Grassland

Forest

Engineer

Landscape View

Habitat Diversity Over Time

Engineer Activity & Legacy

Species Richness by Habitat

Active Engineers

Modified Habitat

Legacy Habitats

Species Richness

Habitat Types

Water Retention

Carbon (t/ha)

Years

Ecosystem Engineers (Jones et al. 1994)

Beavers: Allogenic engineers that dam streams, creating wetland habitats, increasing water retention, and promoting biodiversity spillover 100m+ from water's edge. Termites: Modify soil properties, create mounds that alter nutrient cycling and provide microhabitats. Legacy Effects: Modifications persist long after engineers leave, continuing to influence ecosystem processes and community assembly.