Bóbr

Bóbr is a genus of large, semiaquatic rodents belonging to the family Castoridae. There are two extant species within this genus: the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber, and the North American beaver, Castor canadensis. Beavers are known for their distinctive flat, scaly tails, webbed hind feet, and large, sharp incisors. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on bark, twigs, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.

Beavers are renowned for their engineering abilities, constructing dams and lodges out of wood and mud. These structures serve to create deep water environments, which provide protection from predators and facilitate underwater food storage. The construction process involves felling trees, often using their powerful incisors, and transporting branches and mud. The dams can significantly alter waterways, creating wetlands that support a diverse range of other species.

Historically, beavers were widely distributed across North America and Eurasia. However, extensive trapping for their fur and castoreum, a secretion used in perfumes and medicines, led to significant population declines and local extinctions in many areas. Conservation efforts and reintroduction programs have helped to restore beaver populations in various regions. Beavers play a crucial role in ecosystem health, influencing water flow, sediment transport, and habitat creation.