Myocastor coypus
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nutria, Myocastor coypus (click on image to enlarge it)
Author: Philippe Amelant
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Author: Philippe Amelant
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) - (nutria, coypu)
This is a large semi-aquatic rodent which is native to South America. The body grows up to 65 cm and the tail has an additional length of 30-40 cm. It has been widely introduced into other regions, mainly because of its fur and has become invasive in many areas. While the damage to field crops is usually minor, it disrupts the ecology, replacing native species, destroying aquatic plants and creating burrows on the river banks. It is mainly controlled through trapping and hunting. The nutria is sometimes confused with the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) which is native to North America and has been also introduced into Europe for its fur.
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Biberratte |
| • English: | nutria coypu |
| • Español: | coipo |
| • Français: | ragondin |
