Why are nutria invasive species?

Recognized in the United States as an invasive wildlife species, nutria have been found in at least 20 States and most recently in California. The nutria’s relatively high reproductive rate, combined with a lack of population controls, helped the species to spread. In many regions they cause severe damage.

What animals prey on nutria?

Predators of nutria include humans (through regulated harvest), alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), garfish (Lepisosteus spp.), bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and other birds of prey, turtles, snakes such as the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), and several carnivorous mammals.

Are nutria a protected species?

Even without a bounty program, nutria can be taken legally by licensed hunters and trappers as a rodent and nongame mammal. Again, hunters need to be careful not to mistake other wildlife for nutria. These other species may be protected or may have hunting seasons and bag limits governing their take.

What native species are affected by nutria?

Nutria are known for feeding heavily on plant roots, which changes soil structure and transforms wetlands into open water habitat. Loss of marsh habitat impacts native species such as waterfowl and muskrats. The impact does not end there.

What are the facts about the Myocastor coypus?

Nutria Facts (Myocastor coypus) The nutria, or copyu is a large, semiaquatic rodent. These nutria facts include the animal’s diet, habitat, and reproduction. The nutria, or copyu is a large, semiaquatic rodent. These nutria facts include the animal’s diet, habitat, and reproduction. Menu Home Nutria Facts (Copyu) Search Search the siteGO

How big does the nutria Myocastor coypus get?

Fast Facts: Nutria 1 Scientific Name: Myocastor coypus 2 Common Names: Nutria, copyu 3 Basic Animal Group: Mammal 4 Size: 16-24 inch body; 12-18 inch tail 5 Weight: 8-37 pounds 6 Lifespan: 1-3 years 7 Diet: Omnivore 8 Habitat: Native to South America 9 Population: Decreasing 10 Conservation Status: Least Concern

How long is the gestation period for Myocastor coypus?

Myocastor coypus is polyestrus. The length of the estrus cycle is variable; intervals between cycles may range from 5 to 60 days. Nutrias are nonseasonal breeders. The gestation period is long, varying from 127 to 139 days. There is a post-partum estrus within 2 days of parturition.

What kind of plants do Myocastor coypus eat?

Herbivorous, Myocastor coypus (coypu) eat wetland plants and crops. Selective feeding causes massive reduction in reed swamp. Selective feeding causes massive reduction in reed swamp. Occasional feeding on freshwater mussels are reported.