Castor fiber
European Beaver / Beaver / Eurasian Beaver
Castor fiber
Illustration: Castor fiber
Information about this species.
This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.
Facts & Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Castor fiber
- Category / Order: Säugetiere (Mammalia)
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
How does the Eurasian beaver act as an ecosystem engineer in the Taiga?
By building dams, beavers impound streams and create new wetlands. This structural modification slows water runoff, raises the groundwater table, and establishes essential habitats for amphibians, fish, and waterfowl within the boreal zone.
What effect does beaver activity have on deadwood (CWD) and biodiversity?
Flooding from beaver dams kills riparian trees, which locally creates a massive increase in standing and fallen deadwood (Coarse Woody Debris, CWD). This profoundly benefits saproxylic beetles (e.g., Tragosoma depsarium) and wood-decaying fungi, boosting biodiversity in managed forests.