beaver

A master of landscape architecture, the European beaver plays a crucial ecological role through its ability to create and maintain habitats. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive overview of the biology and ecology of the beaver, promotes understanding of its importance, and supports efforts to protect its natural environment.

beaver Products

Profile: beaver

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammalia (mammals)
    • Order: Rodentia (rodents)
    • Family: Castoridae (beavers)
    • Genus: Castor
    • Species: C. fiber (European beaver)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 80-100 cm
    • Tail length: 25-37 cm (flat, scaly tail)
    • Weight: 11-30 kg, average about 18 kg
    • Special features: Brown to reddish-brown fur, excellent swimmers, distinctive incisors that grow continuously.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe and parts of Asia; reintroduction projects have restored presence in many native habitats.
    • Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds and their banks; prefer areas with abundant aquatic plants.
    • Adaptability: Highly adaptable, known for the ability to manipulate the environment by building dams and castles.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Herbivore
    • Typical food: aquatic plants, bark, leaves and twigs, mainly from willows, poplars and maples.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: Winter (January-February)
    • Gestation period: Approx. 105 days
    • Litter size: Average 2-4 young
    • Social structure: Very social, living in family groups that build buildings and dams together.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 24 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Least concern; populations are stable or increasing thanks to conservation measures and reintroduction programs.
    • Protection measures: protection of aquatic habitats, legal provisions to protect against hunting and habitat destruction.