Beaver dam analogues increase amphibian breeding occupancy and bat activity

Abstract Introduction Beavers are ecosystem engineers that can create ponds, increase stream complexity, and enhance biodiversity. To mimic these and other effects, restoration practitioners increasingly install beaver dam analogues (BDAs) in degraded streams. These artificial beaver dams are often intended to support fish, although beavers also facilitate many other taxa. Understanding how nontarget species respond to BDAs is essential for maximizing full ecosystem benefits and managing potential trade‐offs. Objectives We aimed to determine whether two taxa facilitated by beavers—amphibians and bats—responded positively to BDA restoration. Methods We conducted visual surveys for amphibians and acoustic surveys for bats to determine the effects of BDAs and compare these to the effects of undammed stream control sites and natural beaver sites. Results Amphibian breeding occupancy was higher at BDA (24%) than control sites (0%) but remained much lower than at beaver sites (88%). Bat activity was 3.9 times greater at BDA sites and 4.7 times greater at beaver sites than at their respective paired control sites. Amphibians exhibited a binary response to BDAs, breeding in sites only if BDA construction produced still‐water ponds. Bats, in contrast, responded along a habitat gradient, with incremental flow reduction at BDA sites leading to higher activity. Conclusions BDAs can increase amphibian breeding occupancy and bat activity.