There are two species of beaver: the European beaver and the Canadian beaver. Very good swimmer, the beaver moves much more slowly on land. It can live up to the age of 12 and is herbivorous. When danger lurks, the rodent hits its queue on the water which causes a detonation noise and thus alerts its congeners. The beaver is nicknamed the engineer of the rivers. It builds dams and plays a leading ecological role in biodiversity and wildlife along rivers or rivers. Essentially nocturnal, the beaver is very discreet and can be seen at dusk or dawn. Photo credit: Tim Umphreys