Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Coypu and the Duck

22.04

The coypu, also known as the river rat, and nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers (pretty much everywhere except the really cold places). Its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range.

22.04

Coypus can live up to six years in captivity, but it is uncommon for individuals to live past three years old; according to one study, 80% of coypus die within the first year, and less than 15% of a wild population is over three years old.

22.04

22.04

22.04

The Mallard or Wild Duck is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia.

1 comment: