Myocastor coypus Molina (coypu)

Myocastor coypus (coypu) (Figure 30.1) is a large semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that is now present in all continents, except Oceania and Antarctica, after widespread introductions in the 1930-1940s. There is a division in English speaking countries as to common name usage. In England and former British colonies (i.e. Kenya) they are called "coypus". In North America and Asia they are generally referred to as "nutria". However, it should be noted that in Spanish-speaking countries this name refers to otters (Lutrinae).