Coypu

Myocastor coypus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Myocastoridae

About

The nutria or coypu is an herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent from South America. Classified for a long time as the only member of the family Myocastoridae, Myocastor has since been included within Echimyidae, the family of the spiny rats. The nutria lives in burrows alongside stretches of water and feeds on river plant stems.

Fun Fact

Coypu were originally imported to Europe and North America for fur farming, but escapees have caused billions of dollars in damage by burrowing through levees and devouring marsh vegetation.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Wetlands and riverbanks

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

6-8 years

Threats

Invasive Aquatic Species
Water Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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