Columbines School of Botanical Studies
Support Trail Cameras for Aplodontia Research
Help Us Protect One of North America’s Most Ancient Mammals
Aplodontia Haystacks
Aplodontia bundles or haystacks of Boykinia major, Boykinia, Bistorta bistortoides, Mountain Bistort, and other plants on traditional Molalla land in the Cascade Montane Highlands ecoregion in a young spruce - subalpine fir forest between a wet sedge meadow and a medium aged Douglas Fir - Western Hemlock Forest.
The Aplodontia or Mountain Beaver makes “haystacks” of plants neatly arranged around the opening to its home. Aplodontia is not a true beaver; it's just a common name.
Notice how carefully they arrange the stems facing the same direction in each bundle, like a bouquet.
Support Trail Cameras for Aplodontia Research
Help Us Protect One of North America’s Most Ancient Mammals
Columbines School of Botanical Studies has been conducting long-term, field-based research on Aplodontia rufa, commonly known as the mountain beaver, a reclusive and ancient rodent species native to the Pacific Northwest. Despite its name, the mountain beaver is not a beaver, but it is a critical part of our regional ecosystems, living mostly hidden in dense vegetation near water.
Our team has spent years studying Aplodontia habitat, behavior, and ecological impact with detailed botanical, photographic, and GIS data. However, their elusive nature makes them incredibly difficult to observe directly. That’s where trail cameras come in.
Why We Need Trail Cameras
Trail cameras are essential tools for tracking Aplodontia activity without disturbing their natural behavior. They allow us to:
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Monitor populations and movements over time
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Document feeding and burrowing behavior
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Understand interactions with other species
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Collect visual data to support habitat conservation
Each camera we install expands our ability to protect this understudied species and share our findings with the broader scientific and conservation communities.
The reason for these bundles is unclear, but current thoughts are:
1. They have poorly developed kidneys and need to dry their food to maintain the proper amount of moisture for eating.
2. Dried food lasts longer when they store it in their eating chambers for winter.
3. Dried plant matter makes good bedding and construction material.
Sometimes they build a substructure of sticks and cover this with plants, obscuring their entrance. Does this keep the rain out of the holes or help the drying process?
They are very shy, and it is uncommon to see them. The last time we saw one, it was carrying a bouquet of Lupines.
How You Can Help
We’re seeking donations to purchase additional high-quality, weather-resistant trail cameras and accessories (like memory cards and batteries). Your contribution goes directly toward field research and habitat monitoring.
Donate today to help us keep watch over this fascinating, mysterious mammal. With your support, we can continue our long-term commitment to Aplodontia research and education.
Support Trail Cameras for Aplodontia Research
Thank you for supporting ecological research and the preservation of Pacific Northwest biodiversity.