Where does the Eurasian beaver live?
The Eurasian beaver is widespread across Eurasia: it now lives in Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and from Russia through China and Mongolia, with about half the population in Russia. In the early 20th century only about 1,200 remained, in eight relict populations from France to Mongolia. It has since been reintroduced into much of its former range.
What does the Eurasian beaver eat?
The Eurasian beaver is herbivorous: it eats water and river bank plants, such as tubers, shoots, twigs, leaves, buds and water lilies, and trees like willow, aspen and birch. Its daily food intake is approximately 20% of its body weight. Its dams trap sediment, improve water quality, recharge groundwater and increase cover and forage for trout and salmon. Pairs are monogamous, with one litter a year of about three kits.
Is the Eurasian beaver endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It was hunted to near-extinction for its fur and castoreum. Its population is rapidly increasing: 1.5 million in 2020. Its head-to-body length is 80 to 100 cm with a tail of 25 to 50 cm, and it weighs 11 to 30 kg.
