Kopravideod

Posted by the Animal of the Year Team.
Estonian text 24.11.2019

These days when man has changed water networks beyond recognition the activities of beavers can well be seen as restorative. We don’t have to pay  big money to restore a wetland –the beaver does all the work, for free.  .

Estonian text posted by Animal of the Year Team 03.11.2019

The beaver can survive in our climate only if it collects winter supplies. The food supply of beavers are branches – mostly willow branches which are fastened in the bottom of the water body in front of burrows or nest mounds.

Estonian text posted by the Animal of the Year Team 01.09.2019

Video: Tarmo Mikussaar

The habitat of the Animal of the Year offers many useful aspects to other species: for some a bridge across waters, for others food, a landmark. a place for hunting.

Posted by the Animal of the Year Team
 

During the drought in July the beaver acted like a true master builder and prepared for even worse to come. The mid-summer dry spells drained smaller creeks and ponds. The earlier flow of water ended and the water level in the beaver habitat started to drop. It was the last minute to check the dams and to seal them.

In the video we see the beaver adjusting the dam and adding more willow branches for more  security.

If the winter of this year should still continue it is certainly worthwhile to use  the opportunity to visit a beaver lodge  noted in summer – how different its surroundings look in winter! In his video  wildlife filmmaker and theriologist Remek Meel who has studied beavers for years  briefly also presents  a giant beaver lodge that looks truly mysterious in the wintery landscape. The present video is the first of a 10-part serial on beaver subjects that will introduce the activities of Eurasia’s largest rodent during the year.

The beaver male and female set up a family with strong bonds and the union lasts if possible throughout life. If one partner perishes (the beaver is the prey of many predators and it should be remembered that it is also a quarry of hunters) a new partner is sometimes found, to carry on the species

Video: Tarmo Mikussaar