Swamp beaver

The marsh beaver usually lives in pairs and occasionally forms larger colonies. They inhabit riverbanks, drainage systems, swamps and lakeshores.

The marsh beaver is adapted to life in water: its eyes are placed high on its head so it can also see when it swims. It has webbed toes and its undercoat is water-repellent after being lubricated with oil from the mouth glands.

The beaver has two fat glands near its mouth that can secrete oil. The oil is first smeared on the front paws and then rubbed into the fur to make it greasy and water-repellent.
For the above reasons, the animal is a good swimmer and can stay submerged for up to 5 minutes in search of aquatic plants.

The female's suckling nipples are positioned along the side towards the back, making it easier for the young to reach and even suckle when swimming.

The marsh beaver has long coarse outer guard hairs that hide the soft velvety undercoat. The undercoat is called Nutria by fur traders - which is also the marsh beaver's nickname.

The marsh beaver often sits and cleans its fur of dirt and parasites.

• Distribution: South America
• Population: Hunted for its soft fur, it was close to extinction in the wild in the 1900s. In 1931, all hunting was temporarily banned and the marsh beaver managed to survive. Today, the marsh beaver is very common.
• Weight: 7-9kg
• Body length: 43-64 centimetres. Males are larger than females.
• Neck length: 22-43 centimetres
• Sexual maturity: From 6-8 months of age
• Gestation: Approximately 130 days
• Number of chicks: 3-5 chicks per litter. Has up to 3 litters per year.
• Food: Aquatic plants, but also molluscs such as snails and mussels.
• Lifespan: Approximately five years or less in the wild.
• Latin name: Myocastor coypus