Nutria, also known as coypu, refers to a large semiaquatic rodent species native to South America but now found in various parts of the world. The scientific name for nutria is Myocastor coypus. These animals have a stout, round body covered with dense, coarse fur, which ranges in color from dark brown to reddish-brown. They possess webbed hindfeet and a long, scaly tail that aids them in swimming.
Nutrias are primarily herbivorous creatures, feeding on a diet consisting mainly of aquatic plants, grass, and crops. They are adaptable to a wide range of habitats such as marshes, swamps, lakes, and rivers. Due to their ability to multiply rapidly, nutrias are often considered pests in areas where they have been introduced.
The fur of nutrias is highly valued and historically has been harvested for its economic importance, leading to introductions of these animals in different parts of the world for fur farming purposes. However, when populations of nutrias escape or are released, they can cause considerable damage to aquatic ecosystems, riverbanks, and agricultural fields, as they consume and destroy vegetation.
In addition to their ecological impact, nutrias can also pose health risks as they are known carriers of various zoonotic diseases that can affect humans. Despite being an invasive species in many areas, nutrias continue to be sought after for their fur, and regulated trapping is often employed to control their populations and mitigate the environmental and agricultural damage they can cause.
In summary, nutria is a semiaquatic rodent species with a round, dense-furred body, originally from South America but now found worldwide. They are herbivorous, adaptable animals that can become pests when introduced to new areas, causing environmental
