Coypu

The coypu or nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large, crepuscular, semiaquatic rodent native to South America, but now also present in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In most regions the coypu is considered a pest. In eastern Europe and Central Asia, however, it is still valued for its fur. It is the only species in the genus Myocastor and is sometimes given its own family: Myocastoridae. The coypu, a herbivore, has been introduced from South America to every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The animal is adapted to subtropical and mild temperate climates.

There are two common names used in the English language for Myocastor coypus. Coypus originated from the Amerindian Mapudungun language word coypu or kóypu and was adopted by American Spanish as Coipo is generally used in Europe and Latin America. This avoids confusion with the term "nutria," which is Spanish for carnivores commonly called otters (Lutra sp.) in British and American English. In North America and Asia the term nutria is the more commonly used one for Myocastor coypus.