Beaver on the Drau The European beaver (Castor fiber), also known as the Eurasian beaver, is the largest rodent in Europe. The beaver belongs within the rodent order (Rodentia) to the beaver family (Castoridae).
Adult beavers weigh between 23 and 30 kg and have a head-body length of 83 to 102 cm and a tail length of 30 to 35 cm. The most striking features include the large, regrowing, reddish incisors, the flat, scaled, almost hairless tail (so-called trowel). The trowel fulfills many different functions: in winter it serves as a fat depot, in summer it has a cooling effect. It is used as a rudder when swimming or as a counterweight when felling wood when the beaver stands on its feet to reach for a branch. To warn conspecifics of enemies, the trowel is hit hard on the water surface. On land, beavers appear slow and clumsy. However, they are excellent swimmers and their body is perfectly adapted to life under water: the head is short, broad and flattened at the top so that it flows directly into the strong neck muscles and trunk. The eyes and ears, which are arranged very high up, as well as the nose, are above water even when the body is submerged. In this way, beavers can dive almost completely in the event of danger and still keep an overview. Beavers are excellent divers, able to stay under water for up to 20 minutes when threatened. The dense fur is used for thermal insulation.
The beaver is an integral part of various ecosystems. In its role as a key species, it plays a key role in shaping the ecosystem. The impact of his activities is particularly positive on rivers, streams and floodplains that are already degraded or have undergone major hydraulic engineering changes.
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