Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter cover art

Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

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Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

By: Ben Goldfarb
Narrated by: Will Damron
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About this listen

In Eager, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb reveals that our modern idea of what a healthy landscape looks like and how it functions is wrong, distorted by the fur trade that once trapped out millions of beavers from North America's lakes and rivers. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: streams eroded, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of "Beaver Believers" - including scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens - recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier, for humans and non-humans alike, than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, Believers are now hard at work restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts.

Eager is a powerful story about one of the world's most influential species, how North America was colonized, how our landscapes have changed over the centuries, and how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and the ravages of climate change. Ultimately, it's about how we can learn to coexist, harmoniously and even beneficially, with our fellow travelers on this planet.

©2018 Ben Goldfarb (P)2018 Chelsea Green Publishing Animals Biological Sciences Ecology Ecosystems & Habitats Environment Natural Resources Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Conservation Ecosystem Habitat Highlander Biology Environment

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Critic reviews

"Narrator Will Damron channels Ben Goldfarb's enthusiasm for beavers as saviors of the environment.... Damron's narration is warm, approachable, and energetic as Goldfarb moves from one fascinating fact to another with affection and wry humor. The next time you see a chewed stump, a warm and optimistic feeling will result." (AudioFile)
All stars
Most relevant  
a lovely insightful view on the life and struggles of beavers around the world

insightful

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The narration is well paced if a little charring to the English ear at times. Historical context is fascinating and will not age however when discussing more up-to-date issues especially in the UK the book is increasingly outdated but does not deflect from the overall Reading

A compelling history starting to become outdated

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I enjoyed this for its own sake and also for the number of times my family asked "more beavers?". it is a very US centric book with just a brief glimpse of British Beaverdom but it truly makes you aware of the history and potential impact these animals could have. Plus everyone should know how to determine the sex of a beaver don't you think?

everything you ever wanted to know about beavers

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A fascinating tour around the world of both beavers and beaver-believers. Superbly narrated, with feeling and conviction - it felt like it was the author himself talking to you.

Well written and well narrated

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