Coypu and Musk Rats Although adult coypu are much larger than musk rats the young stages can be difficult
to tell apart. Besides size the main differences are
- Coypu have a broader muzzle and head.
- Musk rat tails are flattened vertically.
- Coypu have much more prominent whiskers.
- Coypu front teeth (incisors) are orange.
Both are non-native species that were originally reared for their fur. Escapees have been successful in establishing wild
populations throughout France and they are quite common in the Charente/Dordogne. Despite attempts using trapping,shooting and poisoning
they have not been eradicated. It is ironic that these large rodents from S America (coypu) and N. America (musk rat), have replaced
the native beaver which is extinct in the Charente/Dordogne.
Both species are plant eaters and can damage crops and undermine banks with their burrows.
They are active during the day and at night.
- Young coypu with adults. Note the large white whiskers of the 2 juveniles on the log.
- Adult coypu at night with broad head and wide nostrils.
- Coypu swimming, look for orange incisors.
- Coypu swimming
- Coypu, showing cylindrical tail and large hind feet.
- Coypu disturbing large eel, and in slow motion.
- Musk Rat filmed in Perigueux. Inset shows animal swimming and leaving water.
- Musk Rat swimming, look for the flattened tail.
- Musk rat cleaning and feeding
- Musk rat in stream at night.
Back to mammals |
|
