EURASIAN BEAVER
Castor fiber
DESCRIPTION
Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) is commonly known as the European Beaver. This large semi-aquatic rodent is characterized by its robust body, webbed feet, and a distinctive flat, paddle-shaped tail. They are known for their impressive building skills, creating dams and lodges from branches, mud, and other materials, which play a crucial role in their aquatic ecosystems by creating wetlands that support diverse wildlife.
FUN FACTS
- Eurasian Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers because their dam-building activities create wetlands that benefit many other species
- They can hold their breath underwater for up to 15 minutes while swimming and can close their ears and nostrils to keep water out
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight24-30 kg
Average Length0.9-1.2 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social StructureEurasian Beavers typically live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They are known to be monogamous and maintain strong family bonds.
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonWinter (December-February)
- Habitat
- Eurasian Beavers inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and suitable building materials for their dams and lodges.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Freshwater
- Native Range
- The native range of the Eurasian Beaver extends across Europe and parts of Asia, from the British Isles to the Ural Mountains.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, Russia
- Diet
- Eurasian Beavers are herbivores, primarily feeding on the bark, leaves, and twigs of trees and shrubs. They particularly favor species like willow, aspen, and birch.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Willow, aspen, birch
- Social Structure
- Eurasian Beavers typically live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They are known to be monogamous and maintain strong family bonds.
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 3-8
- Territorial
- 1
LC
LC
24-30 kg
Weight
0.9-1.2 m
Length
- Coloration
- Brown fur with a lighter underbelly
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males and females are similar in size and appearance.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 105-107 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Winter (December-February)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Eurasian Beavers has been recovering in many areas due to conservation efforts.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1 million+
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting. While populations are recovering, they still face challenges from human activities.
- Conservation Program
- Various reintroduction and conservation programs across Europe have successfully increased their numbers.
- Predators
- Wolves, bears, lynxes, and humans are known predators of the Eurasian Beaver.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Eurasian Beavers use their strong teeth to gnaw on trees and can create underwater escape routes to evade predators.
- Compatible Animals
- None
- Found in Zoos
- Common