The Coypu is a large semi-aquatic rodent that is native to South America.  It has been introduced into many other countries of the world usually with disastrous results as it can destroy river banks and vegetation.

It resembles a Beaver and has a hairless tail and orange/red tooth incisors.  The adult weighs between 5-9kg, has a body length of about 50cm with a tail a little shorter than this.

It is a social animal that digs extensive burrows in riverbanks and the sides of lakes and lives on aquatic plants, roots and other vegetation.

They can live up to 6 years in captivity but in the wild are susceptible to cold and probably live a lot less years.