The family Castoridae includes two extant species of large, semi-aquatic rodents known as beavers. These animals are primarily found in North America and Eurasia, where they inhabit rivers, streams, and ponds. Beavers are known for their remarkable ability to construct dams and lodges using branches, mud, and other materials, creating wetland habitats that benefit various other species.
Beavers have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their flat, paddle-shaped tails and webbed feet, which aid in swimming. They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on the bark, leaves, and twigs of trees and shrubs. Their ecological role as ecosystem engineers significantly impacts their environment, promoting biodiversity.