Beaver

The beaver (Castor canadensis for North American beavers and Castor fiber for Eurasian beavers) is a robust, semi-aquatic rodent known for its remarkable engineering skills and environmental impact. With a stout body covered in dense, waterproof fur, a broad, flat, scaly tail, and webbed hind feet, beavers are well-adapted for their freshwater habitats. They are famous for building complex dams and lodges, which create wetlands that provide critical habitats for numerous other species. Beavers are herbivores, feeding on bark, leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants, and they store food in underwater caches for winter. They live in family units called colonies, exhibiting strong social bonds and cooperation. Highly intelligent for rodents, beavers can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes, using their nictitating membranes to see underwater. Their industrious nature and role as keystone species make them essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Body: Stout and robust, covered with dense, waterproof fur.
Tail: Broad, flat, and scaly, used for swimming, communication, and balance.
Teeth: Prominent, sharp incisors that grow continuously and are used for gnawing wood.
Feet: Webbed hind feet for swimming; dexterous front paws for manipulation of objects.

Biological Traits

Dams & Lodges: Skilled builders, constructing complex structures that alter their environment.
Underwater Adaptation: Can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes and have nictitating membranes to protect their eyes underwater.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction: Monogamous, with pairs forming long-term bonds. Breeding typically occurs in late winter.
Genetics: Adapted for semi-aquatic life with traits like waterproof fur, webbed feet, and a flat tail.

Growth Rate & Stages

Gestation: Around 105-107 days.
Birth: Kits are born fully furred with open eyes.
Juvenile Stage: Kits remain in the lodge, learning from parents, and start swimming within weeks.
Mature Stage: Beavers reach maturity at about 2-3 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Habitat: Freshwater environments like rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.
Role in Ecosystem: Keystone species, creating wetlands that provide habitats for many other species.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on bark, leaves, twigs, aquatic plants, and occasionally crops.
Feeding Habits: Typically forages close to the water and stores food in underwater caches for winter.

Biological Cycle

Active Period: Year-round activity, with heightened activity in the fall to prepare for winter.
Dormant Period: No true dormancy, but reduced activity in harsh winter conditions.

Behaviour

Temperament: Industrious, territorial, and social within family groups.
Interactions: Strong family bonds, with cooperation in building and maintaining lodges and dams.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Live in family units called colonies, which consist of parents, yearlings, and kits.

Domestication

Not domesticated; beavers are wild animals with specific habitat needs.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Historical Use: Fur was highly valued in the fur trade; castoreum used in perfumes and medicines.
Environmental Impact: Beavers are crucial for creating and maintaining wetlands, which support biodiversity.

Facial characteristics

Rounded head with small eyes and ears, prominent incisors, and dense whiskers.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Widespread across the Misty Wood.

Average Intelligence

High for rodents, capable of complex problem-solving and environmental manipulation.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vision: Moderate vision, better adapted for low-light conditions.
Hearing: Acute hearing to detect predators and communicate with other beavers.
Smell: Highly developed sense of smell for detecting food and marking territory.
Touch: Sensitive whiskers and paws for exploring and manipulating their environment.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Symbiotic: Beavers create habitats that support various other species.
Parasitic: Susceptible to parasites like fleas and mites.

Genetic Descendants

• Afanc

Scientific Name

Castor canadensis

Lifespan

10-15 years

Conservation Status

Least concern

Average Weight

35 to 70 pounds

Average Length

29 to 35 inches

Average Physique

Stocky and robust, well-adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Typically brown or reddish-brown fur; underparts are lighter.

Geographic Distribution

• The Misty Wood