Let’s Get to Know Beaver, The Dams Builder

Source: NatGeo Wild

        The world's second-largest rodent, Beaver, is a semi-aquatic mammal that likes to build dams using sticks, mud, and rocks as a place to live.

Beaver is a rodent belonging to the genus Castor. This animal comes from the northern hemisphere, precisely in the Holarctic region. Beaver has a stocky body and four legs. Beaver also has incisors that grow continuously so this mammal likes to gnaw on wooden branches. Beaver does this thing so its teeth don't grow too long. Another uniqueness of this animal is the shape of its tail. Beaver has flattened and scaly tail to help it swim fast.

According to NatGeo Wild, Beaver likes to build dams and nests. This herbivore likes to build dams to hold air and the nests are used for shelter. The dams and nests are also beneficial for other species and organisms. The role of Beaver in its habitat is a key species because this animal is very influential for ecosystems.

Usually, Beaver builds mud mounds with distinctive scents to mark its territory. The mound contains mud, lumps of sand, and castoreum. Castoreum is the liquid urine that comes out of the Beaver caster's bag. Castoreum liquid produces Beaver’s characteristic odor.

Beaver is almost the same as Otter. However, these two species have very different characteristics. Significant differences are in the ordo or families of these two animals. Beaver belongs to the Rhearing ordo while Otter belongs to the Lutrina ordo. In addition, Otters is a carnivorous or meat-eating animal, while Beaver is a herbivorous animal that likes to eat twigs and leaves.