Eurasian beaver vs Lesser Capybara

Castor fiber compared with Hydrochoerus isthmius

Key Differences

• Eurasian beaver is Vulnerable while Lesser Capybara is Data Deficient.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Eurasian beaver	Lesser Capybara
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order same	Rodentia (Rodents)	Rodentia (Rodents)
Family	Castoridae (Beavers)	Caviidae
Genus	Castor (Beavers)	Hydrochoerus
Species	Castor fiber	Hydrochoerus isthmius

Evolutionary Relationship

Eurasian beaver and Lesser Capybara share a common ancestor at the Order level: Rodentia. (Rodents)

Conservation Status

Eurasian beaver

VU — Vulnerable

Lesser Capybara

DD — Data Deficient

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Eurasian beaver	Lesser Capybara
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Eurasian beaver

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Lesser Capybara

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Colombia and Venezuela.

Eurasian beaver

Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild, with declining populations and increasing habitat pressure.