majava

Majava, also known as Castor canadensis, is a large rodent native to North America. It is the second-largest rodent in the world, surpassed only by the capybara. Majavas are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time in and around water. They are well-known for their ability to build dams and lodges using trees, branches, mud, and rocks. These structures create ponds and wetlands, significantly altering the landscape and providing habitats for many other species.

Physically, majavas have distinctive features adapted for their aquatic lifestyle. They possess large, flat, scaly tails that they use for steering in water, balance on land, and as a warning signal by slapping it against the surface. Their fur is dense and waterproof, providing insulation in cold water. Majavas also have large, continuously growing incisor teeth, ideal for felling trees and gnawing on wood. Their hind feet are webbed, aiding in swimming, while their front paws are dexterous and used for digging and manipulating materials.

The diet of majavas consists primarily of tree bark, leaves, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. They are herbivores and play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by influencing vegetation composition. Majavas are typically monogamous and live in family groups. They are most active at dawn and dusk, known as being crepuscular. Their dam-building activities, while sometimes viewed as a nuisance by humans, are ecologically beneficial, creating diverse aquatic environments and supporting biodiversity.