Eurasian Beaver

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a large, semi-aquatic mammal, that until the 19^th century was found in many regions of Europe and Asia. Relentless hunting for its fur led to the disappearance of this species in many areas, with the result that at the beginning of the 20^th century, there were only 1,200 individuals throughout its former range. In many countries of central and northern Europe, attempts have been made to increase the numbers of this species and there are now estimated to be about 1.5 million individuals. In Greece, the species had disappeared at the beginning of the 20^th century and only in the last 10 years or so have efforts been made to reintroduce it. The name of the city of Kastoria comes from this species, as its people used to trade beaver fur. The way the beaver builds its lodges, as well as its construction of dams to tame the flow of water, means that it helps to regulate water levels in the areas it inhabits.