The beaver - the great builder

But what exactly does it build? The beaver is considered a great builder, as it is one of the few mammals that can significantly modify its habitat. The beaver builds dams worthy of the best engineers. The tangle of branches, trunks, foliage, roots and mud creates an astonishingly watertight and solid embankment.

The dam serves to hold back the water, creating a pond deep enough to prevent the water from freezing to the bottom, allowing him to transport food, store it for the winter and access his hut in all seasons.

The construction of these dams modifies the natural environment, impacting flora and fauna. Many plant and animal species settle in the vicinity, enjoying the benefits of this unique environment.

He also builds a hut that bears a striking resemblance to our homes, with a feeding area, a resting place and a source of fresh air. It rests on a platform some 10 cm above the water, and includes at least two underwater entry tunnels that also serve as emergency exits if necessary. Most have a diameter of around 5 meters and an average height of 2 meters.

The beaver creates wetlands that contribute to rich biodiversity and combat global warming by capturing carbon.

I'm sure you'll agree that the beaver is a remarkable animal!