Nutria

The nutria, also known as the coypu, is a herbivorous rodent that lives both in water and on land. It is known for its powerful teeth and burrowing activities. This fact sheet provides concise information on its size, weight, lifestyle, and reproduction, and emphasizes the importance of conservation measures and population control in different regions.

Nutria Products

Profile: Nutria

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
    • Order: Rodents (Rodentia)
    • Family: Echimyidae
    • Genus: Myocastor
    • Species: M. coypus (nutria, also called coypu)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 40–60cm
    • Tail length: 30–45 cm
    • Weight: 5–9 kg, in exceptional cases up to 12 kg
    • Special features: Round body, brown to reddish-brown fur, strong teeth, webbed toes, long, cylindrical tail

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Originally South America; now introduced to Europe, North America and Asia
    • Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps and wetlands; prefers shore areas with dense vegetation

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Herbivore
    • Typical food: aquatic plants, roots, grasses, bark and occasionally crops

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: Possible all year round
    • Gestation period: Approx. 130 days
    • Litter size: 4–8 young per litter, up to 3 litters per year
    • Lifestyle: Semi- or fully aquatic, good swimmers, lives in family groups, digs burrows in river banks

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: 3–6 years in the wild
    • Threat status: Not threatened in its native habitat; invasive species in introduced areas that may impact local ecosystems
    • Conservation measures: Control invasive populations, protect wetlands in original distribution areas