Myocastor coypus

(Molina, 1782)

Vernacular names

English : Coypu
French : Ragondin

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Myocastoridae
Notes : 4 subspecies known.

Identification

The species grows to 57 cm in length with a 40 cm long tail, for a weight of 7 kg. Large-bodied rodent, small ears, mouth closable behind large bright orange incissors. Mostly brown with dark tail, white hairs on muzzle.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in South America, from south-east Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia to central Argentina, Chile and Chiloe island. Lives in slow-moving streams, lakes, swamps, marshes, brackish water.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has been introduced in many countries around the world. Although it is still numerous in its original range, it suffers from loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known