Eurasian beaver

Description:

The highlight of our trip came early in the evening, when we met this fella or gal, who supported our presence in a quite cool way... Eurasian beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent known for its remarkable ability to modify landscapes through its dam-building activities. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this species was once near extinction due to overhunting for its fur, meat, and castoreum (a secretion used in perfumes and medicines). However, through conservation efforts, its population has rebounded in many areas. Adult Eurasian beavers is the size of medium sized dog, typically weighs between 16 and 30 kilograms and are characterized by their distinctive flat, scaly tails, which they use for swimming, signaling danger, and regulating their body temperature. They have a robust body, brown fur, and sharp, continuously growing incisors that allow them to efficiently fell trees and shrubs for food and dam construction. Eurasian beavers are primarily nocturnal and are excellent swimmers, capable of staying underwater for up to 15 minutes. They live in family groups called colonies, which consist of a breeding pair, young kits, and occasionally subadults from previous litters. These social groups work together to build dams and lodges, creating wetland habitats that benefit a wide range of plant and animal species. Their diet consists mainly of tree bark, aquatic plants, and shrubs. The creation of beaver ponds through damming increases biodiversity in the area by creating new habitats for various species, highlighting the beaver's role as an ecosystem engineer. The resurgence of the Eurasian beaver is considered one of the great successes of wildlife conservation, demonstrating the species' significant impact on European freshwater habitats.

Habitat:

Seen in wetlands of Hortobágy National Park - these wetlands are part of the network of shallow lakes, marshes, and sodic lakes (alkaline lakes) that dot the landscape of the park, offering a rare glimpse into the diverse aquatic ecosystems of the Eurasian steppe. Formed by the backwaters of the Tisza River, these wetlands are crucial for the survival of several species of migratory and resident birds. The area serves as a vital stopover for tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and other migratory birds traveling along the East Atlantic and the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyways each year, making it a spectacular site for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. The wetlands also support a range of other wildlife, including amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, which contribute to the ecological balance and richness of the area.

Notes:

Hortobágy National Park, the first national park in Hungary, is an emblem of the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Sprawling across the eastern part of Hungary, it is the largest protected area in the country and part of the Great Hungarian Plain. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its vast grasslands, traditional pastoral culture, and diverse wildlife, including unique bird species. Hortobágy serves as a crucial habitat for numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its landscape, characterized by open pastures, wetlands, and the traditional lifestyle of herdsmen, reflects centuries of human and natural history intertwined.