Eurasian beaver vs Reed Vole

Castor fiber compared with Microtus fortis

Key Differences

• Eurasian beaver is Vulnerable while Reed Vole is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Eurasian beaver	Reed Vole
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)	Cricetidae
Genus	Castor (Beavers)	Microtus
Species	Castor fiber	Microtus fortis

Evolutionary Relationship

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

Conservation Status

Eurasian beaver

VU — Vulnerable

Reed Vole

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Eurasian beaver	Reed Vole
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.

Reed Vole

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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.