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Coypu

Myocastor coypus

Description:

The coypu somewhat resembles a very large rat, or a beaver with a small tail. Adults are typically 5–9 kg (11–20 lb) in weight, and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in body length, with a 30- to 45-cm (12- to 18-in) tail. They have coarse, darkish brown outer fur with soft dense grey under fur, also called the nutria. Three distinguishing features are a white patch on the muzzle, webbed hind feet, and large, bright orange-yellow incisors.

Habitat:

Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range. Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plants, and waste close to 90% of the plant material while feeding on the stems.

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2 Comments

valentinezza
valentinezza 10 years ago

Hi Akereemo245, it isn't a capybara. It's a coypu or nutria, which is smaller than the capybara. It looks like a big rat with orange teeth and lives near rivers or canals.

akereemo245
akereemo245 10 years ago

Cute Capybara!

valentinezza
Spotted by
valentinezza

Saint-Vrain, Île-de-France, Tromelin Island

Spotted on Jan 19, 2014
Submitted on Jan 19, 2014

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