Where does the nutria live?
The nutria, or coypu, is a herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent native to subtropical and temperate South America. It was introduced to North America, Europe, Asia and East Africa, primarily by fur farmers. All individuals in these regions come from escapes or deliberate releases. It lives in burrows alongside stretches of water. It was long classified as the only member of its own family, but is now included among the spiny rats.
What does the nutria eat?
It feeds mainly on aquatic and riparian vegetation. In its native range, it forms part of South American wetland food webs and can contribute to the dispersal of aquatic plants and spores. Elsewhere, introduced populations can damage wetland vegetation and infrastructure through feeding and burrowing.
Is the nutria endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. In several countries it is considered invasive, but it is still hunted and trapped for its fur in some regions. Some populations can carry diseases. Males weigh about 6.7 kg and females about 6.4 kg.
